Champions Trophy: Indian Spinners Shine as They Limit New Zealand to 251/7
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Synopsis
In the thrilling 2025 Champions Trophy final, India’s spinners showcased their prowess, limiting New Zealand to 251 runs. With key performances from Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, they dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, despite half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell, ultimately securing a significant advantage for India.
Key Takeaways
- India’s spinners claimed five wickets.
- New Zealand managed 251 runs in the final.
- Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell were the top scorers.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy each took two wickets.
- India's spin quartet applied consistent pressure throughout the innings.
Dubai, March 9 (NationPress) India’s spinners once again dominated on a sluggish pitch with minimal turn as they restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in their allotted 50 overs during the 2025 Champions Trophy final held at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand started positively but quickly lost their first five wickets to the Indian spinners, who bowled a combined total of 38 overs. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy each took two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed one.
Half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (a resilient 63 off 101 balls) and Michael Bracewell (a brisk 53 not out off 40 balls) propelled New Zealand past the 250-run mark, as they scored 79 runs in the final 10 overs.
Despite Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya generating slight movement, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra cautiously began, hitting just one boundary in the first three overs. Ravindra found his rhythm, pulling and square-driving to score two fours and a six in a 16-run fourth over off Pandya.
He then confidently drove Shami for four before edging one through the third man for another boundary. Ravindra was granted a second chance when Shami missed a chance to catch him on 28. To add to New Zealand’s momentum, Young executed a pull shot to the right of mid-on, bringing up the 50-run opening partnership in just seven overs.
After a caught behind decision off Chakaravarthy was overturned, Ravindra was given another opportunity on 29 when Shreyas Iyer dropped a catch at deep square leg. India finally made a breakthrough when Chakaravarthy trapped Young lbw for 15. Shortly thereafter, New Zealand concluded the first power-play at 69/1, and Kuldeep struck next by clean-bowling Ravindra with a stunning googly for 37.
Kuldeep returned in his following over to deliver another blow to New Zealand by catching Kane Williamson's chip off his own bowling. From that point on, India exerted significant pressure through their spin quartet. In an attempt to counterattack, Tom Latham attempted a sweep but was trapped lbw by Jadeja for 14.
Glenn Phillips ended New Zealand’s boundary drought of 81 balls by smashing Kuldeep for a six. While India maintained their tight grip, Phillips managed to secure two boundaries. New Zealand also benefited from a couple of missed chances by the Indian fielders—Mitchell survived on 38 when Rohit Sharma dropped a tough opportunity at mid-wicket off Axar's bowling, and Shubman Gill missed Phillips’ catch at 27.
The 57-run partnership came to an end when Chakaravarthy's googly bowled Phillips for 34. Mitchell pressed on to score his fifty off 91 balls, marking the slowest half-century of his career in this tournament. Bracewell finally broke New Zealand's boundary drought after 65 balls by sweeping Kuldeep for four, then heaved Shami for six.
Mitchell struck Shami for two boundaries before lofting a catch to extra cover, departing for 63. Bracewell hit Pandya for six, though captain Mitchell Santner was run out for eight while attempting a second run. Bracewell reached his fifty off just 39 balls as New Zealand crossed the 250-run threshold, with 12 runs added in the final over.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 251/7 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53 not out; Kuldeep Yadav 2-40, Varun Chakaravarthy 2-45) against India.
