India Eyes Glory with 252-Run Chase Against New Zealand- Champions Trophy 2025 Final
New Zealand has posted 251/7 in 50 overs, setting India a target of 252 to win their third ICC Champions Trophy title. Daryl Mitchell scored 63 runs, and Michael Bracewell added 53. They held the Black Caps’ score steady. This happened while Indian spinners took charge at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The pitch offers some turn but not too much threat. This chase looks set for an exciting contest as India aims to make history.
New Zealand’s Innings: A Struggle Against Spin
New Zealand started positively after Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat. Rachin Ravindra scored 37 runs off 29 balls, and Will Young added 28. Together, they made a solid 57-run opening partnership. Then, Varun Chakaravarthy gave India an early breakthrough.
India’s spin trio – Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja—pressured the Black Caps.
- Varun Chakaravarthy: 2 wickets
- Kuldeep Yadav: 2 wickets
- Ravindra Jadeja: 1 wicket
- Mohammed Shami: 1 wicket
At one point, New Zealand was struggling at 104/3, with Kane Williamson departing for just 11 runs.
Mitchell, Bracewell Steady New Zealand’s Innings
Despite the spinners choking the run flow, New Zealand found some stability:
- Daryl Mitchell scored 63 runs off 101 balls. This was the slowest ODI fifty by a Kiwi batter in 11 years. Then, Shami dismissed him.
- Glenn Phillips (34) and Mitchell put together a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket. This kept New Zealand competitive.
- Michael Bracewell scored 53 runs off 40 balls. His late surge helped the team reach over 250 runs.
Axar Patel had a spinning finger injury, so he bowled just eight overs. Still, India’s bowlers did a great job of keeping New Zealand in check.
Will India chase down 252 to create history? Stay tuned for the second innings live updates!