India showcased their spin dominance against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025, defending a modest total of 249/9 to win by 44 runs. Spinners were instrumental in taking wickets, with Varun Chakravarthy claiming five, while Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel shared three. Jadeja’s appeal for a wicket sparked criticism from commentator Simon Doull. Despite a strong effort from New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, who scored 81, they struggled against India’s spinners, resulting in regular wickets. Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, leading India to a successful league stage finish.
India’s spin prowess was on full display against New Zealand during the Champions Trophy 2025, as they deftly defended a modest total of 249/9. This wasn’t just another victory; it was a decisive win, with India surpassing New Zealand by 44 runs. Apart from Hardik Pandya, every Kiwi wicket fell to the spinners. Varun Chakravarthy took five wickets, Kuldeep Yadav claimed two, and Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel each took one. Jadeja’s only wicket came in the 33rd over when he trapped Tom Latham in front with an impressive delivery. Latham attempted a reverse sweep but misread the line, resulting in the ball striking his thigh.
The manner in which Jadeja appealed drew the ire of former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull. Jadeja sprinted down the pitch both appealing and celebrating.
Doull remarked, “Take a look at that. You shouldn’t be doing that. (It) should’ve come with a warning.”
Typically, players are cautioned if they step onto the pitch.
As for the match itself, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Indian top-order struggled, leaving the Men in Blue at 30/3. A significant 98-run partnership between Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls, featuring five fours and a six) revitalized India. However, after the dismissals of Iyer and KL Rahul (23 off 29 balls, with a four), India found themselves at 182/6. A valuable 41-run stand between Ravindra Jadeja (16 off 20 balls, with a four) and Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) propelled India to a total of 249/9 by the end of their 50 overs.
Matt Henry’s pace proved beneficial for the Kiwis as he secured figures of 5/42 in his eight overs.
During New Zealand’s chase of 250 runs, they consistently lost wickets. Kane Williamson (81 off 120 balls, with seven fours) kept his team in contention, but it was Varun Chakravarthy (5/42) who spun a web that baffled the Kiwis’ middle order. Kuldeep Yadav also contributed with 2/56 in 9.3 overs, while Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja each took one wicket.
After a frustrating T20 World Cup 2021, where Varun went wicketless in three matches, he redeemed himself with a five-wicket haul in just his second ODI, leading India to a hard-fought victory over New Zealand and allowing them to finish the league stage with three wins out of three. His stellar performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award as he dismantled the Kiwis’ middle order.
With ANI inputs
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