Dubai: New Zealand started strongly in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India, but quick wickets have put the Men in Blue back in control at the midway stage of the first innings.
New Zealand Off to a Flyer
After electing to bat, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra provided a solid foundation, racing to 51-0 in seven overs. Ravindra was particularly aggressive, smashing 16 runs in a Hardik Pandya over, including a towering six over cow corner.
India’s bowlers struggled initially, with Mohammed Shami leaving the field for a hand assessment and Shreyas Iyer dropping Ravindra in the deep.
India Hit Back with Key Wickets
The breakthrough finally came when Varun Chakravarthy trapped Will Young lbw for 15, reducing New Zealand to 57-1.
The tide turned further when Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in quick succession. First, he bowled Ravindra for 37, then dismissed Kane Williamson (11) with a return catch.
By the 15th over, New Zealand were 83-3, with Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell looking to stabilize the innings.
India’s Spinners Apply Pressure
With the pitch assisting slow bowlers, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have choked the runs, restricting New Zealand to just 12 runs in the last five overs.
With half the innings remaining, India will look to tighten their grip as New Zealand aim for a competitive total.
