India showcased their strong spin bowling against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025, successfully defending a score of 249/9. India secured a convincing 44-run victory, dominating New Zealand. Except for Hardik Pandya’s wicket, all other wickets taken by India were by spin bowlers. Varun Chakravarthy claimed five wickets, Kuldeep Yadav took two, and Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel each took one.
Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Tom Latham in the 33rd over with a sharp delivery, trapping him leg before wicket. Latham attempted a reverse sweep but missed the ball’s trajectory, resulting in the ball hitting his thigh.
However, Simon Doull, a former New Zealand player and now commentator, was critical of Jadeja’s appeal. Doull pointed out that Jadeja ran onto the middle of the pitch while appealing and celebrating the wicket.
Doull commented, “Look at that. You can’t do that. It should have resulted in a warning.” Typically, players are cautioned for stepping onto the pitch.
In the match itself, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl. India’s top order struggled, falling to 30/3. A partnership of 98 runs between Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42) helped stabilize India’s innings. However, quick wickets of Iyer and KL Rahul brought India to 182/6. A 41-run partnership between Ravindra Jadeja (16) and Hardik Pandya (45) enabled India to reach 249/9 in their 50 overs.
Matt Henry was effective for New Zealand, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs in his 8 overs.
During New Zealand’s chase of 250 runs, they consistently lost wickets. Kane Williamson (81) held the innings together, but Varun Chakravarthy’s impressive spin bowling (5/42) dismantled New Zealand’s middle order. Kuldeep Yadav also took 2 wickets, while Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja each took one wicket.
After a disappointing T20 World Cup 2021, Varun Chakravarthy made a strong comeback, achieving a five-wicket haul in his second ODI. This performance led India to a significant victory against New Zealand, ensuring they finished the league stage with three wins out of three. Varun Chakravarthy was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning performance.
