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{
“meta_description”: “India secured a dramatic Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final berth after a nail-biting 44-run victory against New Zealand. Varun Chakaravarthy’s five-wicket haul and a resolute batting performance led India to victory despite a valiant fightback from Kane Williamson.”,
“keywords”: “India, New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025, Varun Chakaravarthy, Cricket, ODI, Semi-finals, Dubai, Spin bowling, Kane Williamson, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, Matt Henry”,
“article”: “
India Storms into Champions Trophy Semis with Thrilling Win over New Zealand
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Dubai – What a match! India booked their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals with a breathtaking 44-run victory over New Zealand in a thrilling encounter at the [Stadium Name] in Dubai. A disciplined bowling performance, spearheaded by the sensational Varun Chakaravarthy’s maiden ODI five-for, and a determined batting display sealed the win, despite a spirited effort from the Kiwis.
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A Spin Masterclass
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India’s tactical prowess shone through from the outset. Recognizing the pitch’s spin-friendly nature, captain Rohit Sharma introduced the spinners early, unleashing Axar Patel as early as the sixth over. This early pressure proved pivotal. Hardik Pandya, operating as the second seamer, struck first, dismissing Rachin Ravindra with a well-directed short ball, expertly caught by Axar at third man.
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But the star of the show was undoubtedly Varun Chakaravarthy. After a slightly wayward delivery to Kane Williamson early in his spell, Chakaravarthy found his rhythm, bamboozling the New Zealand batsmen with his variations and accuracy. Will Young’s misjudgment of line led to an inside edge onto his stumps, followed swiftly by Daryl Mitchell falling prey to the tight bowling. Mitchell, renowned for his spin-playing abilities, was completely outplayed by India’s disciplined spinners.
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The consistent accuracy targeting the stumps resulted in a flurry of LBW decisions. Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell all succumbed to this tactic, highlighting India’s dominance. Chakaravarthy’s incredible five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 42, was the highlight of a truly stunning bowling performance.
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New Zealand’s Resolute Response
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Despite the pressure, Kane Williamson offered a masterclass in resilience. His controlled innings of 81 runs from 120 balls kept New Zealand’s hopes alive. Although KL Rahul dropped three catches, these lapses didn’t significantly alter the match’s trajectory. However, as the required run rate escalated, Williamson’s aggressive approach against Axar Patel proved his undoing, triggering a collapse in the New Zealand innings.
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India’s Middle-Order Resilience
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India’s batting innings had a shaky start, losing three quick wickets under 50 runs. However, the crucial partnership between Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship. Axar, batting at number five, showcased his versatility with a well-timed sweep for four, while Iyer anchored the innings, culminating in a well-deserved 75-ball half-century. Iyer’s continued success against New Zealand further cemented his reputation.
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Matt Henry’s Impressive Bowling Fightback
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Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul (5 for 42), mirroring Chakaravarthy’s achievement, showcased the challenging nature of the pitch. His early strikes, dismissing Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, restricted India to 249 runs. This highlighted a thrilling contest where both sides demonstrated exceptional skill.
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The Final Act
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While the partnership between Iyer and KL Rahul provided some stability, Iyer’s aggressive approach led to his dismissal, and Rahul also fell to Mitchell Santner’s sharp turn. Hardik Pandya’s crucial 45 and Ravindra Jadeja’s contribution kept India’s hopes alive. Henry’s final over, claiming two more wickets to complete his five-for, added drama to the final stages, but ultimately Varun’s earlier heroics proved decisive.
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Conclusion
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India’s victory was a testament to their strategic brilliance, unwavering discipline, and the exceptional spin bowling. Chakaravarthy’s breakthrough and Henry’s equally impressive performance highlighted the captivating nature of the match. This semi-final berth underlines India’s strong claim to the Champions Trophy title and signifies their formidable form heading into the later stages.
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}
“`