In the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in the final Group A ODI encounter at Dubai International Cricket Stadium tonight. Chasing the target of 250 runs, Kiwis were all out for 205 runs in 45.3 overs. For New Zealand, Kane Williamson with 81 was the top scorer.
For India, Varun Chakravarthy scalped five wickets, Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets, and Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja claimed a wicket each. Varun Chakravarthy was declared Player of the Match.
Earlier, after winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl, and the Men in Blue scored 249 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs. Shreyas Iyer, with 79 runs, was the highest scorer, while Hardik Pandya hit 45 runs. For the Kiwis, Matt Henry clinched five wickets.
Both teams have already secured a spot in the semifinals from Group A. However, the match is crucial as it will determine the group leader. The winner of the match will face Australia in the semifinals, while the losing team will take on South Africa. For India, star batter Virat Kohli is playing his 300th ODI today.
