LIGHTS ON.. IS IT ENOUGH? India Sets New Zealand a 250-Run Target in Champions Trophy Clash
Despite a shaky start and a disciplined Kiwi bowling effort, India’s middle order rallied to ensure a competitive score in this crucial encounter.
India posted a fighting total of 249/9 in 50 overs against New Zealand in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, setting the Black Caps a target of 250 to win. Despite a shaky start and a disciplined Kiwi bowling effort, India’s middle order rallied to ensure a competitive score in this crucial encounter.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that paid off early as Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson tore through India’s top order. Rohit Sharma (15), Shubman Gill (2), and Virat Kohli (11)—in his 300th ODI—fell cheaply, leaving India reeling at 30/3 by the seventh over. Henry’s fiery spell, culminating in a five-wicket haul (5/47), kept the pressure on throughout.
Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings with a gritty 79 off 98 balls, stitching together a vital 98-run stand with Axar Patel (42). However, both departed in quick succession, courtesy of Rachin Ravindra and Will O’Rourke, leaving India at 172/5. Hardik Pandya’s late flourish (45 off 45) and a cameo from Ravindra Jadeja (16) pushed the score past 200, though stunning catches by Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips ensured wickets kept tumbling.
With spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav in the lineup, India’s bowlers now face the task of defending 250 on a pitch expected to favor them under lights.
