India secured a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, finishing atop the group with an unbeaten record. Setting a target of 250, India’s spinners, spearheaded by Varun Chakaravarthy’s maiden ODI five-wicket haul (5/41), bowled out New Zealand for 205 in 47.3 overs, locking in a semifinal showdown with Australia.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner chose to bowl first, and his pacers struck early. Matt Henry’s sensational 5/47 dismantled India’s top order, dismissing Rohit Sharma (15), Shubman Gill (2), and Virat Kohli (11) to leave them at 30/3 by the seventh over. Shreyas Iyer’s resolute 79 off 98 balls, alongside Axar Patel’s 42, forged a crucial 98-run stand, lifting India to 172/5. Hardik Pandya’s brisk 45 off 45 ensured a fighting 249/9, despite stellar catches from Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips.

Chasing 250, New Zealand reached 104/3 after 26 overs, with Williamson (81) anchoring the innings. However, Chakaravarthy’s spin wizardry turned the game. His five wickets, including Santner (26) and Henry (2), triggered a collapse, while Axar Patel’s dismissal of Williamson via a stumping sealed the deal. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami supported with tight spells, ensuring New Zealand fell short at 205.

The win marked India’s third straight victory, following triumphs over Bangladesh and Pakistan, cementing their dominance in Dubai. New Zealand, despite early wins, now face South Africa in Lahore’s semifinal. With momentum firmly on their side, India head into Tuesday’s clash against Australia as favorites to reach the March 9 final.