In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the final group match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This victory not only secured India's position at the top of Group A with an unblemished record but also set the stage for a highly anticipated semi-final clash against Australia.

The architect of India's triumph was undoubtedly 'mystery spinner' Varun Chakravarthy. Making a stellar comeback to the ODI format, Varun spun a web around the New Zealand batting lineup, claiming a remarkable five wickets for 42 runs in his 10-over spell. His performance was instrumental in restricting the Kiwis to 205, paving the way for India's comprehensive victory. The irony is that Varun's match-winning haul came at the same venue where he had a forgettable T20 World Cup in 2021, leading to his subsequent exclusion from the team for three years.

India's decision to unleash four spinners on a turning track proved to be a masterstroke. While Varun was the chief destroyer, Kuldeep Yadav (2-56), Axar Patel (1-32), and Ravindra Jadeja (1-36) all played their part in exploiting the favorable conditions. Their combined efforts stifled the New Zealand batsmen, making it difficult for them to build partnerships.

Despite a valiant effort from Kane Williamson, who scored a sublime 81, New Zealand's batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the Indian spinners. The Kiwis lost their last three wickets for a mere 10 runs, signaling their first defeat in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Earlier in the match, India's innings was built around a composed half-century from Shreyas Iyer. His 79-run innings, coupled with valuable contributions from Axar Patel (42) and Hardik Pandya (45), helped India reach a total of 249 for nine. New Zealand's Mark Henry also had a memorable performance, taking five wickets for 42 runs. Terrific fielding from the Black Caps saw Glenn Phillips take a blinder to catch Virat Kohli (11), playing in his 300th ODI, and Kane Williamson pouched another stunner to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja (16).

India's top-order suffered a rare failure, collapsing to 30 for three in the seventh over, before Iyer and Axar steadied the ship with a 98-run partnership. Hardik's late flourish then propelled the score to a respectable level.

As India now prepares to face Australia in the semi-final, they will be hoping to avenge their defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on South Africa in the other semi-final clash.

Varun Chakravarthy's journey from being dropped after a disappointing T20 World Cup to becoming a match-winner in the Champions Trophy is a testament to his resilience and skill. His inclusion in the team, replacing pacer Harshit Rana, proved to be a game-changing decision.

Varun's figures of 5/42 are the second-best bowling figures for India in Champions Trophy history, only behind Ravindra Jadeja's 5/36 against West Indies in 2013. They also rank as the second-best bowling figures on Champions Trophy debut, with Australia's Josh Hazlewood holding the top spot with 6/52 against New Zealand in 2017.