NEW DELHI: India secured their place on the high of Group A with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand of their closing group-stage fixture of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday at Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium.
With the event now heading into the semi-finals, India are set for a high-stakes conflict in opposition to Australia on Tuesday, March 4, in Dubai.
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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri weighed in on the staff’s choice for the upcoming fixture, advocating for continuity within the enjoying XI given the fast turnaround.
“The sq. is somewhat drained for the time being, folks have run on the pitch that’s going for use the day after, so the spinners will once more come into play,” Shastri stated, emphasising the significance of India’s spin assault.
India fielded a four-pronged spin unit of their match in opposition to New Zealand, with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and the comparatively new Varun Chakravarthy main the cost, whereas pacer Harshit Rana was rested. The technique paid dividends because the spinners bowled 37.three overs, accounting for 9 of the ten New Zealand wickets, with Chakravarthy starring with a five-wicket haul.
The spin-heavy assault efficiently defended a goal of 250, proscribing New Zealand’s batting lineup on a sluggish Dubai floor. Given the circumstances and their confirmed success, Shastri is assured {that a} related method will work within the semi-final.
“So when you bat first, put something over 240-250, it’s going to be very aggressive in an enormous sport like a semi-final,” Shastri stated, underlining the necessity for a strong first-innings complete to use scoreboard strain.
India will now give attention to sustaining their profitable momentum in opposition to a formidable Australian facet, with their spin arsenal anticipated to play a vital position within the much-anticipated knockout conflict.
