India successfully defended a total of 249, clinching a sixth straight win against the Kiwis. The decision to add Varun Chakravarthy to the already existing three spinners was much of the worth, with the bowler striking a ‘high five’ putting an ultimate showdown in Dubai on Sunday.
The win puts up India at No.1 in their Group A rankings, and will now face Australia in the first semi-final match scheduled on Tuesday. While, New Zealand will now fly back to Pakistan to face the second finishing team in Group B, South Africa for their semi-final match on Wednesday.
It seemed to be very much of an OG ODI, where you could find the new ball seam and swing in the first innings and gradually slowing down increasing the grip. Batting became difficult with time due to the absence of dew. It was only Shreyas Iyer and Kane Williamson, finishing above 50 that too slow and steady. While Iyer had his slowest 50 finishing at 79 in his innings, it was Kane Williamson’s slowest 80 or above, scoring 81.
It was the web of India’s spin that kept making it troublesome for the New Zealand batters. Ravindra Jadeja took Tom Lathom in the 33rd over. The mystery spell of the spinners was woven for 29 overs out of the 30 middle overs where they took nine wickets giving just 166 runs.
Even though New Zealand too had restricted India well through their seam where Matt Henry took five wickets for 42 runs. But their spinners could only clinch two wickets, bowling 25 overs for 128 runs. The ball seamed well for Matt Henry while swinging enough for Kyle Jamieson. They could have India once at 30-3, picking up the early wickets of openers Shubhman Gill and Rohit Sharma, followed by Virat Kohli at no.3 with some spectacular catches by Glenn Philips ‘in the air.’
The responsibility rested on the shoulders of next in line, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, putting up a 98 run partnership with the latter playing a mature knock of 42. India could put up a defendable score of 249 further with KL Rahul with an effort of 23 and Hardki Pandya with 45 adding to the challenging run total. Hardik also ensured movement with the new ball, getting Rachin Ravindra caught off the upper-cut. Will Young and Daryl Mitchell also went off within time, as India tying the batters down with the asking rate reaching to six in the 23rd over.
But Kane Williamson and Tom Lathom made it smooth for their team with a 40 run stand. By the time New Zealand reached 30 overs, they were halfway to the target, still having seven wickets in hand. Bu Jadeja pitched it accurate enough to pick Lathom’s wicket. Varun significantly dismissed Phillips, followed by Bracewell.
Axar picked up Willaimson, again Varun coming up for the skipper Mitchell Santner. For the fifth one of Varun, Henry readily agreed. In this way, India secured a 44 run win over New Zealand in their final group stage fixture match, sending the latter back to Lahore. India is the only team winning all the three matches in as many games in the Champions Trophy. The focus will be now in their semi-final against Group B table toppers Australia.