Varun Chakravarthy's fifer propels India over New Zealand by 44 runs to reach semis against Australia

Using spin to destroy New Zealand in their Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match, Varun Chakravarthy and India performed a redemption over New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. On a slow track at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India's four-man spin attack outperformed New Zealand's pace-heavy strategy in a match of opposing styles. 

India scored 249 runs, 124 of which came in 25 overs against the spinners of New Zealand for just two wickets lost. Then, with a spectacular grip from their spin assault, they were able to effectively protect the par score. Varun Chakravarthy gave a masterclass in spin bowling after being awarded a spot in the XI for India's third Group A match after being drafted into the Champions Trophy team at the last minute.

He took his first five wickets in a one-day international, and the BlackCaps were unable to match his skill. He came in at the right time for India. After the Big Three—Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli—failed to hold their own against the New Zealand pacers, Shreyas Iyer took over at bat. India recovered from 30 for 3 and posted a score that gave their bowlers something to strive for because of Iyer's 79, which soaked up the strain.

Varun Chakravarthy concluded with figures of 5 for 42, and his variations were too difficult for their batsmen to understand, giving New Zealand, one of the best spin players in the world, a trip down memory lane. New Zealand needed a quick start as they chased 250 on a challenging surface, but Hardik Pandya hit early with the new ball and dismissed the in-form Rachin Ravindra for only 6.

Varun Chakravarthy got fifer against New Zealand

The first of Varun Chakravarthy's five victims was Will Young. Known for his confident strokeplay, the opener found it difficult to read Varun's variations and ultimately dragged one onto his stump. Early on, Varun and Axar Patel bowled together, limiting the run flow as Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson struggled to get going. Although their partnership took 82 deliveries, the two contributed 44 runs for the third wicket. 

Despite some late resistance from captain Mitchell Santner, who swung his bat for a quick 28 off 31 balls, Varun and Kuldeep cleaned up the tail to enable India to win by a commanding 44 runs. After India defeated New Zealand in their last group stage match of the competition, the Champions Trophy semi-final lineup was finalized. With the victory, India moved up to the top of the Group A table and advanced to the tournament's semi-final, where they will play Australia.