India and New Zealand are currently engaged in a gripping battle during the Champions Trophy final at Dubai International Stadium. On March 9, 2025, New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner opted to bat first after winning the toss. The high-stakes game has seen India, led by Rohit Sharma, aiming to secure their first title since 2017.
New Zealand managed to post 251 runs for the loss of 7 wickets across their 50 overs. The innings was marked by steady contributions, particularly from Daryl Mitchell, who scored 63 runs off 101 balls, and Michael Bracewell, who hit 53 runs off just 40 deliveries. Despite starting strong, at 69 for 1 after 10 overs, the Kiwis struggled against India's effective spin attack, transforming their fortunes through swift wickets.
India’s bowlers displayed tactical prowess with spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav leading the charge, each claiming two wickets. Chakravarthy's slow bouncers and cutters proved difficult for New Zealand's batsmen to handle as he removed pivotal players, including Will Young and Glenn Phillips.
The turning point came when Kuldeep bowled Rachin Ravindra with a deceptive googly, breaking through New Zealand's promising opening partnership of 57 runs. Following this, Kuldeep struck again, dismissing Kane Williamson, who managed to score only 11 runs before sustaining a quadriceps strain. The injury forced him out of the field, replaced by Mark Chapman, adding to New Zealand's challenges.
Upon entering the second innings, India hoped for resilience from its star players. Rohit Sharma provided the ideal foundation, scoring 76 runs and stabilizing the chase. With Shubman Gill alongside him, the duo gave India hope as they set off at 105 without loss. Unfortunately for India, this strong start fell apart quickly, as they lost three wickets for just 17 runs.
Shubman Gill was dismissed by Santner’s superb delivery, caught by Glenn Phillips for 31 runs, directly paving the way for pressure to mount on India's innings. Things worsened when Virat Kohli was trapped leg before wicket by Bracewell, scoring just 1 run. Sharma's dismissals by Rachin Ravindra left India at 122 for 3, desperately searching for stability with Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel at the crease.
While India were facing tumult, New Zealand's bowlers, led by their captain Santner, were aiming to build on their earlier successes. After restricting India during the chase, the pressure now lies heavily on India's top order. The team so far has struggled with uncharacteristic errors, including dropped catches by both Rohit Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav, adding to their stumbles.
Despite the setbacks, Iyer and Patel can still turn the game around. Iyer stands steady at the crease, and India's fans remain hopeful. With more than 100 runs still required for victory and the heart-pounding nature of the final, every delivery counts.
India's bowling attack had shown brilliance earlier, but they must now recall the same intensity with their batsmen if they are to chase the target set by New Zealand. Key players like Hardik Pandya and the red-hot Varun Chakravarthy may still enter the fray, adding depth to India's lineup as they navigate these challenging waters.
With the championship on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher as India takes on New Zealand. The final's twists and turns promise more excitement as fans eagerly await the remaining drama.