New Delhi: India set up a cracking semi-final against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 02 after thrashing New Zealand by 44 runs in their final group-stage clash at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant half-century and a spin masterclass from Varun Chakaravarthy helped India outclass the Kiwis to continue their winning run in the tournament.

New Zealand produced an excellent bowling effort combined with some exceptional fielding to restrict India to a moderate 249/9 in 40 overs. However, Chakaravarthy’s fifer helped India bundle out the Kiwis for 205 runs in their chase to secure a thumping victory. It was India’s third win in a row as they topped the Group A table and will now meet Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday.

While Iyer continued his impressive run with the willow with a terrific knock of 79 runs under pressure to lift India to a fighting total, Chakaravarthy stole the show on his Champions Trophy debut. The mystery spinner ran through the New Zealand batting line-up to finish with excellent figures of 5/42 off his 10 overs and make a strong case for selection ahead of the all-important semi-final........

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