India’s spin attack was in full force against New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy, securing a dominant 44-run victory while defending a modest total of 249/9. The win was comprehensive, with Indian spinners dismantling the Kiwi batting lineup. Except for Hardik Pandya, all wickets were taken by spinners—Varun Chakravarthy claimed five, Kuldeep Yadav took two, while Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel picked up one each.
India’s Spinners Dominate as Men in Blue Secure 44-Run Victory Against New Zealand
Jadeja’s only wicket came in the 33rd over when he trapped Tom Latham LBW with a sharp delivery. Latham attempted a reverse sweep but misjudged the line, with the ball striking his thigh. However, Jadeja’s animated appeal did not sit well with former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull. Jadeja ran down the center of the pitch while celebrating, prompting Doull to criticize the act, saying, “You can’t be doing that. (It) should’ve come with a warning.” Players are generally warned for stepping on the pitch during play.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. India’s top order struggled, collapsing to 30/3 within the first few overs. However, a crucial 98-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42 off 61) steadied the innings. Their resilience provided India with a much-needed recovery after the early setbacks.
Despite Iyer’s brilliance, India suffered another setback as KL Rahul (23 off 29) and Iyer’s dismissals reduced them to 182/6. A late 41-run stand between Ravindra Jadeja (16 off 20) and Hardik Pandya (45 off 45) helped India reach a respectable total of 249/9 in 50 overs. New Zealand’s Matt Henry was the standout bowler, taking 5/42 in just eight overs.
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Chasing 250, New Zealand struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals. Kane Williamson (81 off 120) kept the chase alive, but India’s spinners tightened their grip. Varun Chakravarthy was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 5/42 and dismantling the Kiwi middle order, while Kuldeep Yadav supported well with 2/56 in 9.3 overs. Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja each took a wicket.
For Varun Chakravarthy, this performance was redemption after his struggles in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. In just his second ODI, he produced a match-winning five-wicket haul, spinning India to a well-earned victory. His remarkable effort ensured India ended the league stage with three wins in three matches.
Chakravarthy’s brilliant spell earned him the Player of the Match award, as his bowling proved decisive in India’s triumph over New Zealand. His spin magic helped India defend a tricky total, securing momentum as they advanced in the tournament.