Dubai: The group stage of the Champions Trophy wrapped up with India securing a 44-run victory over New Zealand on Sunday, revealing the semi-final matchups.
With this win, India topped Group A with six points, while New Zealand finished in second place. India is set to face Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday in Dubai.
In contrast, South Africa, the leaders of Group B, will take on New Zealand on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The Proteas concluded the group stage with five points, having triumphed over Afghanistan and England, although their match against Australia was abandoned due to rain.
In the encounter between India and New Zealand, the Blackcaps won the toss and opted to bowl first. India's top order struggled, leaving them at 30/3. A crucial partnership of 98 runs between Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls, including five fours and a six) revitalized India's innings.
However, the loss of Iyer and KL Rahul (23 off 29 balls, with one four) saw India slump to 182/6. A late partnership of 41 runs between Ravindra Jadeja (16 off 20 balls, with one four) and Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes) enabled India to finish at 249/9 after their 50 overs. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 5/42 in his eight overs.
During the chase for 250 runs, New Zealand struggled to maintain their wickets. Kane Williamson (81 off 120 balls, with seven fours) fought valiantly, but spinner Varun Chakravarthy (5/42) dismantled the Kiwis' middle order with his exceptional spin bowling. Kuldeep Yadav also contributed with figures of 2/56 in 9.3 overs, while Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja each took one wicket.
