Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai

Dubai, Mar 2: Team India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final Group A match of the Champions Trophy on Sunday, finishing as table toppers and setting up a semifinal clash against Australia.

Batting first, India posted 249/9 in 50 overs, with Shreyas Iyer leading the charge with a well-crafted 79 off 98 balls. Contributions from Hardik Pandya (45) and Axar Patel (42) helped India reach a competitive total.

New Zealand’s Matt Henry was the standout bowler, taking an impressive five-wicket haul (5/42) in 10 overs.

Chasing 250, New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson kept his team in the hunt with a resilient 81. However, wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, and New Zealand were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.

Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy turned the game in India’s favour, picking up five wickets for 42 runs in 10 overs. His spell proved decisive, dismantling New Zealand’s middle order.

With this win, India will face Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday, while New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday.

India: 249/9 in 50 overs

(Shreyas Iyer 79, Hardik Pandya 45, Axar Patel 42; Matt Henry 5/42)

New Zealand: 205 all out in 45.3 overs

(Kane Williamson 81; Varun Chakravarthy 5/42)

India's commanding win reinforces their strong form in the tournament, setting up an exciting semifinal clash against arch-rivals Australia.