Varun’s Five-For Propels India to Semi-Final Clash Against Australia

Dubai: India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand, sealing their spot at the top of the group and setting up a semi-final showdown against Australia. In a low-scoring thriller, India's spinners, led by Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul, proved too much for the Kiwi batters as they crumbled while chasing 250 on a slow-turning pitch.

Varun Chakravarthy’s Redemption Arc

Varun Chakravarthy, playing in his first major international tournament since a disastrous outing against Pakistan in 2021, was the architect of India’s defense. The mystery spinner claimed 5 for 42, exploiting New Zealand’s struggles against spin. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav provided excellent support, dismantling the Kiwi middle order with their control and variations.

New Zealand’s chase of 250 never quite gained momentum, despite captain Kane Williamson’s 81, as they were bowled out for 205 in 44.3 overs. Nine of the ten New Zealand wickets fell to spin, marking India’s most dominant spin performance in ODIs since 2011.

Iyer, Axar Anchor India’s Innings Amid Henry’s Five-Wicket Burst

Earlier, India’s batting effort revolved around Shreyas Iyer’s resilient 79 and Axar Patel’s crucial 42, helping them post 249 for 9. The pitch offered swing and seam movement early on, with New Zealand’s Matt Henry leading the attack by claiming 5 for 42, keeping the Indian batters in check.

India found themselves in early trouble at 30 for 3, with Virat Kohli falling to a stunning Glenn Phillips catch. However, Iyer and Axar rebuilt steadily, grinding through a 98-run stand to stabilize the innings. Hardik Pandya’s aggressive 45 off 45 balls in the latter stages ensured India had a competitive total on the board.

New Zealand’s Struggles Against Spin

Chasing 250, New Zealand had a promising start before Hardik struck early, dismissing Rachin Ravindra. With the pitch slowing down and gripping more as the match progressed, India introduced spin as early as the seventh over—and from there, New Zealand found themselves tangled in a web of turn and deception.

Varun Chakravarthy was nearly unplayable, with Daryl Mitchell and Will Young failing to pick his variations. By the 23rd over, the required run rate had climbed to six, forcing New Zealand into a survival mode rather than a calculated chase.

Williamson attempted to hold the innings together, but after a crucial 40-run stand with Tom Latham, Jadeja’s precise left-arm spin trapped Latham lbw on a reverse sweep attempt. From there, it was a procession of wickets, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel chipping in to tighten India’s grip on the match.

Turning Point: Axar Removes Williamson

Dropped on 17 and 68, Williamson fought hard but was unable to see New Zealand home. His dismissal—stumped off Axar on the last ball of the spinner’s spell—all but ended the chase, leaving the lower order with an impossible task.

Mitchell Santner offered late resistance, but Varun completed his five-wicket haul, deceiving Henry with a 113 km/h cross-seam variation to wrap up the innings.

India’s Path Forward

With this win, India finished as group leaders and will now face Australia in the semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday. Meanwhile, New Zealand and South Africa will travel to Pakistan for their semi-final on Wednesday.

India’s dominant spin performance not only secured their place in the final four but also sent a strong warning to their upcoming opponents. With momentum on their side, they will look to continue their impressive run in the tournament.