India’s Spinners Crush New Zealand, Set Up Australia Semi-Final
India stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a resounding 44-run victory over New Zealand in Dubai. Led by Varun Chakravarthy’s stunning five-wicket haul, India’s spin quartet proved too strong for the Kiwis, restricting them to 204 runs while chasing a target of 249.
With this dominant win, India remains unbeaten in the tournament and now faces Australia in a much-anticipated semi-final showdown. The contest promises to be a battle between India’s spin mastery and Australia’s aggressive batting approach.
Varun Chakravarthy Leads India’s Spin Web
Bringing Varun Chakravarthy into the XI turned out to be a masterstroke as he, along with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, ran riot through the New Zealand batting order. The slow Dubai pitch played right into India’s hands, allowing the spinners to dictate terms.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged his side’s struggles, admitting they were “squeezed by spin” and found it hard to break free from India’s tight grip.
India’s Batting Resilience on a Tricky Surface
Despite challenging conditions, India’s top order played responsibly to post 248 on the board. Rohit Sharma (56), KL Rahul (47), and Shubman Gill (42) provided stability, ensuring India had enough runs to defend. The total proved more than sufficient, thanks to India’s relentless bowling attack.
India vs Australia Semi-Final: A Rivalry Renewed
Australia, fresh off their own impressive run in the tournament, now face a major hurdle in India’s spin-dominated attack. With star players like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Glenn Maxwell in their ranks, Australia will be looking to counter India’s strategy with aggressive stroke play.
The semi-final in Dubai promises to be a high-octane contest, with both teams eyeing a spot in the final.
Key Takeaways from India’s Win Over New Zealand:
- Varun Chakravarthy’s Five-Wicket Haul: A match-winning performance that rattled New Zealand’s batting.
- Spin Quartet’s Impact: Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Axar provided excellent support, making scoring difficult.
- Tactical Brilliance: India’s strategy of playing four spinners worked to perfection.
- Middle-Order Contributions: The top and middle order ensured a competitive total despite a tough pitch.
