Ind Beat NZ: How Varun Chakravarthy's Spins India into the Semi-Final Against Australia

Ind Beat NZ: Key Takeaways from India vs New Zealand Match

India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs on March 2, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, ensuring they topped Group A.

Shreyas Iyer scored 79, and Varun Chakravarthy took 5/42, marking a turning point in the match.

This win set up a semi-final against Australia in Dubai on March 4, 2025.

Fantasy cricket predictions for the semi-final suggest picking Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, Hardik Pandya, Glenn Maxwell, Varun Chakravarthy, and Adam Zampa.

On March 2, 2025, India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Batting first, India posted 249/9, with Shreyas Iyer's 79 and Hardik Pandya's 45 being standout performances. In response, New Zealand managed 205 all out, with Kane Williamson scoring 81.

Varun Chakravarthy's exceptional bowling figure 5/42 pulled down New Zealand's chase, securing India's finish atop Group A with nine points.

This win was key, assuring India a semi-final clash with Australia in Dubai on March 4, 2025. It highlighted India's depth, especially with Chakravarthy's career-best performance and Iyer's stability.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, praised the team effort and said, "Our bowlers did a fantastic job, especially Varun, who was outstanding." Meanwhile, New Zealand's Kane Williamson acknowledged, "India played better cricket today."

Ind vs NZ Match Recap: How India Secured a 44-Run Victory

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been a thrilling tournament. On March 2, 2025, India faced New Zealand in their final Group A match.

This match was important not just for group standings but also for momentum heading into the semi-finals. India, already qualified, aimed to top the group, while New Zealand aimed to secure second place.

The result was a 44-run victory for India, setting the stage for their semi-final against Australia.

Detailed Match Recap

India, batting first after winning the toss, posted 249/9 in 50 overs. The innings started shakily with early wickets, including Rohit Sharma (17) and Virat Kohli (10), leaving India at 30/3.

However, Shreyas Iyer's 79 off 84 balls, supported by a 98-run partnership with Axar Patel (42) and Hardik Pandya's 45, helped the team recover.

Rishabh Pant added 25, ensuring a competitive total. Matt Henry was New Zealand's standout bowler with 5/42.

In response, New Zealand's chase began promisingly with Kane Williamson's 81, but Varun Chakravarthy's spell of 5/42, supported by Kuldeep Yadav (2/35), Hardik Pandya (1/31), Axar Patel (1/28), and Ravindra Jadeja (1/29), dismantled their lineup.

New Zealand finished at 205, 44 runs short, with Williamson's effort not enough to counter India's bowling dominance.

Varun Chakravarthy's Match-Winning Performance

Varun Chakravarthy's performance was nothing short of spectacular. Coming into the team in place of Harshit Rana, he justified his selection with a five-wicket haul.

His spell was the match's turning point, as New Zealand, looking comfortable at one stage, collapsed under his bowling.

Chakravarthy's figures of 5/42 in 10 overs were the best by an Indian spinner in the tournament.

He dismissed key batsmen like Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Will O'Rourke, breaking partnerships and putting New Zealand on the back foot.

His performance not only won the match for India but also boosted their confidence ahead of the semi-finals, especially given their powerful spin attack, which can trouble any batting lineup.

This match underscored India's ability to recover from early setbacks and their bowling strength, particularly in spin, which aligns with the Dubai pitch's characteristics.

India's win ensured they topped Group A with nine points, earning a semi-final against Australia on March 4, 2025, at the same venue.

This is a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, adding historical context. New Zealand, finishing second, will face South Africa in Lahore on March 5, 2025.

The victory boosted India's confidence, with captain Rohit Sharma noting, "We need to carry this momentum into the semi-finals." At the same time, Williamson admitted, "We need to learn from this and come back stronger.

Fantasy Cricket Predictions for India vs Australia Semi-Finals

The semi-final on March 4, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a day-night match, potentially affected by dew, favoring the team batting second.

The pitch, which has hosted 59 ODIs, offers early stitching movement but improves for batting later, with spinners effective in the middle overs.

Recent statistics show an average first-inning score of 218 and second-inning score of 192, with teams bowling first, winning 34 of 58 matches (Cricbuzz).

Team Analysis

India's Recent Form: Unbeaten in group stages, beating Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand.

Key performers include Shreyas Iyer (79 vs NZ), Hardik Pandya (45 and 1/31), and Varun Chakravarthy (5/42).

Australia's Recent Form: They beat England by 5 wickets (chasing 352, Josh Inglis 120 not out) and drew with South Africa due to rain. Their last group match against Afghanistan is pending, but they've shown strong batting, with Inglis and Alex Carey (69 vs. England) in form.

Squad Details

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.

Australia: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

Best Picks for India vs Australia Semi-Final

Given the conditions, select players likely to perform in both batting and bowling:

Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant (India), who scored 25 vs NZ, and Josh Inglis (Australia, 120 vs England) are top choices, but Pant's familiarity with Dubai leans the pick.

Batsmen: Shreyas Iyer (India, 79 vs NZ), Josh Inglis (Australia, 120 vs England), and Shubman Gill (India, 32 vs NZ) for consistency.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (India, 45 and 1/31 vs NZ) and Glenn Maxwell (Australia, 28 vs England, useful bowling).

Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy (India, 5/42 vs NZ, spin-friendly conditions) and Adam Zampa (Australia, 2/67 vs England, experienced spinner).

Top Fantasy Cricket XI for Ind vs Aus Semi-Final

1. Rishabh Pant (wk)

2. Shreyas Iyer (bat)

3. Josh Inglis (bat)

4. Hardik Pandya (all)

5. Glenn Maxwell (all)

6. Varun Chakravarthy (bowl)

7. Adam Zampa (bowl)

This selection balances India's recent dominance and Australia's batting strength, considering dew might favor second-innings batsmen.

Final Thoughts

India's 44-run win over New Zealand sets up an exciting semi-final against Australia. Both teams have performed well, promising a thrilling match. For fantasy cricket, pick in-form players and consider pitch conditions. Stay updated on team news and player fitness before finalizing your lineup. Get ready for an exciting showdown!