India battles New Zealand in thrilling ICC Champions Trophy clash, Dubai

Dubai, Mar 09, 2025, By News On Air39

In cricket, India was 31 for 0 in 5 overs against New Zealand while chasing a target of 252 runs in the summit clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. Opting to bat in spin-friendly conditions, New Zealand managed to score 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a crucial 63-run knock. Towards the end, Michael Bracewell provided a late flourish with a quickfire, unbeaten 51 off 39 deliveries. For India, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each.

The pitch is on the slower side, with the ball gripping and stopping, making it challenging for batters to play across the line. It could be a tricky chase for India, given that New Zealand also has skilled spinners.

Earlier, the Black Caps got off to a flying start, but Indian spinners pulled things back by taking wickets at regular intervals. Varun got the breakthrough wicket for Men in Blue, dismissing Will Young, who was given out LBW. Later, Kuldeep struck immediately, taking the crucial wicket of Rachin Ravindra, the tournament’s double-centurion, with a googly on the very first ball of his spell. He then backed it up by dismissing former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who was caught and bowled.

Ravindra Jadeja joined the party, trapping Tom Latham LBW. Varun then clean-bowled Glenn Phillips when New Zealand was looking to up the ante. Mohammed Shami then dismissed Mitchell in the death overs, while New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner was run out while attempting a quick double. However, Bracewell’s power hitting helped New Zealand push their total past 250.

New Zealand has made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Nathan Smith in place of the injured Matt Henry, while India has fielded the same playing XI from their semifinal victory. India is aiming for its third Champions Trophy title, having previously won the tournament in 2002 and 2013.

In cricket, India was 31 for 0 in 5 overs against New Zealand while chasing a target of 252 runs in the summit clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. Opting to bat in spin-friendly conditions, New Zealand managed to score 251 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a crucial 63-run knock. Towards the end, Michael Bracewell provided a late flourish with a quickfire, unbeaten 51 off 39 deliveries. For India, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each.

The pitch is on the slower side, with the ball gripping and stopping, making it challenging for batters to play across the line. It could be a tricky chase for India, given that New Zealand also has skilled spinners.

Earlier, the Black Caps got off to a flying start, but Indian spinners pulled things back by taking wickets at regular intervals. Varun got the breakthrough wicket for Men in Blue, dismissing Will Young, who was given out LBW. Later, Kuldeep struck immediately, taking the crucial wicket of Rachin Ravindra, the tournament’s double-centurion, with a googly on the very first ball of his spell. He then backed it up by dismissing former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who was caught and bowled.

Ravindra Jadeja joined the party, trapping Tom Latham LBW. Varun then clean-bowled Glenn Phillips when New Zealand was looking to up the ante. Mohammed Shami then dismissed Mitchell in the death overs, while New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner was run out while attempting a quick double. However, Bracewell’s power hitting helped New Zealand push their total past 250.

New Zealand has made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Nathan Smith in place of the injured Matt Henry, while India has fielded the same playing XI from their semifinal victory. India is aiming for its third Champions Trophy title, having previously won the tournament in 2002 and 2013.