Rohit Sharma’s captaincy instrumental in India’s supremacy on the global stage.
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy instrumental in India’s supremacy on the global stage.
The Dubai pitch seem to look favourable to them. Their consecutive semi-final win proves it.
India continued their unbeaten run in the Champions Trophy 2025, beating New Zealand by 44 runs.
With this win, India tops Group A and face Australia in the semi-finals.The match against New Zealand saw early batting struggles, but a middle-order fightback and a ruthless spin attack turned it in India’s favour.
India batted first and lost Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli early for cheap score.
There was nothing to worry. Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings with 79 while Axar Patel made 42.
Hardik Pandya provided late acceleration with a counter-attacking 45, taking India to 249/9 in 50 overs.
Matt Henry was the standoutbowler for New Zealand, taking 5 wickets and prevented India from going for bigger total.
New Zealand’s chase revolved around their captain Kane Williamson who played a fighting 81.
But he didn’t get support as Varun Chakravarthy spun a web around the middle order and finished with
Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja controlled the game with disciplined bowling and never let New Zealand build any momentum. Under pressure they were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs.
With this win, Rohit Sharma emerges as the only captain in cricket history to qualify for three consecutive ICC tournament semi-finals without losing a match.
His leadership has been instrumental in India’s supremacy on the global stage.This win also sends a big warning to Australia, India’s next opponent.
Aussies have historically struggled against quality spin and with Chakravarthy, Jadeja and Axar in form, the Dubai pitch could be a nightmare for them.
India remains unbeaten and has shown incredible adaptability and depth. Different players have stepped up when needed and are one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the tournament.
Now India isn’t just looking for another win, they have their eyes on the trophy.
News Edit KV Raman
