Team India wrapped up their ICC Champions Trophy league stage with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand. With this win, they maintained a perfect record, securing three consecutive victories. Notably, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy played a crucial role, dismantling the Kiwi middle order and shifting the momentum in India’s favor.
Chakravarthy’s Spell Turns the Game Around
Initially, New Zealand seemed to be in control while chasing 250 runs, reaching 151/4. However, Chakravarthy quickly changed the course of the match. He tore through their batting lineup, ensuring India bowled them out for just 205 runs. This performance was a redemption moment for Chakravarthy, who had previously struggled in Dubai during the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Cricketing Legends React to India’s Victory
Soon after the match, cricketing greats showered praise on Team India. Sachin Tendulkar lauded Iyer and Chakravarthy for their impact. He wrote on X:
“@ShreyasIyer15 played an important innings, and @chakaravarthy29’s spell made sure India stayed ahead. A good team win!”
.@ShreyasIyer15 played an important innings, and @chakaravarthy29's spell made sure India stayed ahead.
A good team win! 🇮🇳— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 2, 2025
Likewise, Yuvraj Singh highlighted Chakravarthy’s spell as a “game-changer” while commending Iyer’s composed knock and Rohit Sharma’s leadership. He posted:
“Tough wicket but a solid fight by the boys! Top knock by @ShreyasIyer15 under pressure! That’s more of what I would like to see from him. And how good was @chakaravarthy29! Absolute game-changer! Held his nerve, outfoxed the batters and turned the game on its head when it mattered most. #KaneWilliamson fought hard, but @ImRo45 led with composure and spot-on tactics. A solid team effort on to the semis! #ChampionsTrophy2025 #CT2025 #IndVSNZ.”
Tough wicket but a solid fight by the boys! Top knock by @ShreyasIyer15 under pressure! That’s more of what I would like to see from him. And how good was @chakaravarthy29! Absolute game-changer! Held his nerve, outfoxed the batters and turned the game on its head when it…
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 2, 2025
Furthermore, Sanjay Manjrekar applauded India’s decision to pick Chakravarthy as their fourth spinner. He remarked:
“Brilliant selection call by India. To have the 4th spinner on this pitch. Especially when the 4th spinner is Varun!”
Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan predicted that only Australia could challenge India. However, he doubted their chances on Dubai’s spin-friendly pitches. He commented:
“Whoever beats India wins .. Simple .. I think it’s only the Aussies who could get them .. #ChampionsTrophy2025 but I very much doubt it on the Dubai pitch ..”
Similarly, former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson acknowledged India’s smart selection of Chakravarthy. He admitted:
“Chakravarthy was a smart selection tonight by @BCCI in the conditions and one that I feared from a @BLACKCAPS point of view in the days leading up. Playing him under lights is even harder if you haven’t faced him much before. Well bowled Varun.”
India Recovers After Early Collapse
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. As a result, India’s top order struggled, falling to 30/3 in the powerplay. However, Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42) stitched together a crucial 98-run partnership, bringing India back into the game.
Even though Iyer and KL Rahul (23) fell in quick succession, Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (16) added 41 valuable runs. Eventually, India managed to post a competitive total of 249/9 in 50 overs. Meanwhile, Matt Henry led New Zealand’s bowling attack, taking 5/42 in eight overs.
Chakravarthy Shines as New Zealand Falters
While chasing 250, New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals. Although Kane Williamson (81 off 120 balls) held one end, the lack of support from other batters hurt their chances. As the pressure mounted, Chakravarthy struck at the right time, completely dismantling the Kiwi middle order.
Additionally, Kuldeep Yadav picked up 2/56, while Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja grabbed one wicket each. Eventually, New Zealand crumbled under India’s disciplined bowling, sealing a convincing victory for the Men in Blue.
