Champions Trophy 2025: IND seals semifinal spot against Australia with dominant win over NZ

The semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025 are ready to be staged with India set to play against Australia and New Zealand playing against South Africa. The fixtures were sealed after India won a closely contested match against New Zealand in their last group stage match.

India's struggles and fightback

The thrilling high-stakes game was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 2, where New Zealand had chosen to bat first after the toss. Team India got off to a difficult start, with important batters Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli departing within the initial seven overs.

But Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel rescued their team, consolidating the innings with a valuable partnership. Iyer scored 79 runs with a gritty knock, while Axar added 42 runs of value. Towards the end, Hardik Pandya's brisk 45 contributed to India's total of 249 runs.

On the bowling side, New Zealand's Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers, picking up five wickets. Kyle Jamieson, Will O'Rourke, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra picked up a wicket each.

New Zealand's chase falls short

In pursuit of 250 for the win, New Zealand's innings did not get off to a stable beginning as openers Will Young (22) and Rachin Ravindra (6) got out cheaply. But captain Kane Williamson stabilized the innings with a patient 81 from 120 balls.

Although his brave attempt, Williamson did not have a proper partner at the other end. Daryl Mitchell (17), Tom Latham (14), and Glenn Phillips (12) did not make much of an impact, and captain Mitchell Santner's late knock of 28 off 31 balls proved insufficient to cross the line.

Looking ahead to the semi-finals

India sets up a close semi-final encounter with Australia with this win, and New Zealand will play South Africa in the other decider. As the competition enters the last legs, cricket enthusiasts look forward to tough fights for a spot in the final showdown.