India set up ICC Champions Trophy clash with Australia
DUBAI: Spinner Varun Chakravarthy returned figures of 5-42 as India beat New Zealand by 44 runs on Sunday to set up a semifinal clash with Australia in the Champions Trophy.
India Sport News
Varun Chakravarthy Was 'Nervous' vs New Zealand In CT 2025, Then Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Did This
The X-factor around mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy's bowling influenced his selection for India's last Champions Trophy group game in Dubai against New Zealand, skipper Rohit Sharma said on Sunday after the move proved to be a masterstroke. Chakravarthy justified his selection in the XI with excellent figures of 5/42 in 10 overs, as India registered a convincing 44-run victory to top Group A on way to the semifinals alongside the Kiwis in second place. "He has got something different about him, so wanted to try and see what he had to offer. We got to think a little about what to do for the next game, it's a good headache. If he gets it right, it's very difficult to read him," Rohit said of Chakravarthy at the presentation ceremony.
Australia Batters Focus On Spinners Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinals
Australia had an intense three-hour practice session at the ICC Academy on Sunday afternoon with the focus firmly on their play against spin. While senior pros like Steve Smith and Travis Head had a light hit, the youngsters went full throttle. The Australian team opted for seven ICC academy based net bowlers -- all spinners including slow left-arm orthodox Harshit Seth, a 20 year old UAE player, besides two left arm Chinaman bowlers, as many off-spinners and a leg-spinner. Australia finished second in Group B behind South Africa and both teams are camping in the UAE, waiting to know who their opponents will be in the semifinals. Australia will face table toppers from Group A, either India or New Zealand, in their last four clash.
Shreyas Iyer Continues Sublime Form With Spellbinding Performance Against NZ In ODIs
Shreyas Iyer continued his prolific form against New Zealand in the ODIs by putting another dazzling performance on exhibition during the final group stage match in the ongoing Champions Trophy on Sunday. With India tottering at 30/3 in the powerplay, Shreyas brought out all the weapons from his arsenal to lead the fight for control. He staged India's counterattack by initiating a strike rotation policy with Axar Patel before delivering a rollicking individual performance. Shreyas stabilised India's sinking ship by raising a 98-run stand with Axar and struck 79 from 98 deliveries, a perfect blend of aggression and caution.
Shreyas Iyer Fifty, Varun Chakravarthy Fifer Help India Beat NZ by 44 Runs; Australia Await In Semifinals
Shreyas Iyer's pressure-defying fifty and Varun Chakravarthy's spin masterclass helped India script a 44-run win over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday to top Group A, setting up the semifinal against Australia in the Champions Trophy. Iyer made a composed 79 off 98 balls under pressure but New Zealand, led by pacer Mark Henry (5/42), managed to stifle India to an under-par 249 for nine. Chasing 250 was not a tall order for New Zealand's capable batting unit but they struggled against India's spin quartet led by Chakravarthy (5/42) to be all out for 205 in 45.3 overs. Kane Williamson's gritty 81 went in vain. India will face Australia, who finished second in Group B, in the first semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday while the Kiwis play South Africa in the other semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday.
"High Time The World Starts...": Ex-India Star's Big Verdict On Shreyas Iyer
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif lauded Shreyas Iyer for his crucial 79 against New Zealand in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday. Kaif said the time has come to recognise Iyer as a major talent on the world stage. The veteran reminded Iyer's century against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup semi-final in a high-scoring contest which India won by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium. "It's Shreyas Iyer once again in ICC event against NZ. His phenomenal run continues, high time the world starts talking about his strengths and not keep pointing to his weakness," Kaif wrote on X.
Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya Can't Believe After India Teammate's Costly Error vs New Zealand In CT 2025
The India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 saw Varun Chakravarthy in full flow. The mystery spinner took five wickets as India beat New Zealand by 44 runs despite setting a low target of 250. However, one of his fielding errors went viral as he could not stop a ball and it resulted in a four. It happened in the third over of the match when Hardik Pandya bowled to Will Young. The Kiwi sent the ball towards mid-on. Varun ran for the catch, missed it and then the ball hit his leg to go past the boundary lone. Hardik hid his face, while other members of the team like Virat Kohli were shocked.
Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed: Full Schedule, Match Timings, Venues
The Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final line-up is out! It's India vs Australia in the first Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday while New Zealand will face South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday. Varun Chakravarthy led India's charge with a superb 5-42, the best figures by a bowler in the ongoing tournament, as India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in the final Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The win means India finish as Group A toppers and will now face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, in what is a re-match of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. New Zealand, meanwhile, will take on South Africa in the second semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.