Team India maintained their unbeaten streak in the 2025 Champions Trophy, defeating New Zealand by 44 runs in Dubai on Sunday to finish at the top of Group A. The victory was once again powered by India's spinners, who grabbed nine out of 10 wickets to dismantle the Kiwis' chase of 250 runs.
While Varun Chakaravarthy, registered his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs, the game-changing moment came when Axar Patel dismissed Kane Williamson a moment that not only turned the match in India's favour but also led to a hilarious on-field scene.
Kane Williamson, who was anchoring New Zealand's innings, looked all set to pull off the chase. However, in the 41st over, Axar Patel bowled a peach of a delivery that completely bamboozled the former Kiwi skipper.
Williamson, expecting a quicker delivery, charged down the track but the ball turned sharply, sneaking past his bat and hitting the leg stump. KL Rahul made no mistake in whipping off the bails, sending Williamson back to the pavilion.
As the team celebrated the huge wicket, Virat Kohli added a touch of comedy to the moment by touching Axar Patel's feet in a playful gesture to show his respect for the magical delivery. Axar tried to stop him, but Kohli's antics left everyone, including the bowler himself, in splits.
India set to face Australia in semis
With a comfortable win over New Zealand on Sunday, India booked a place in the semifinal against Australia on Tuesday in Dubai. The matchup will be a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, in which Australia stunned the hosts in Ahmedabad.
On the other hand, South Africa will face New Zealand in the second semifinal in Pakistan on Wednesday. If India wins against Australia, it will advance to the final, which will take place on March 9. This will bring India one step closer to their third Champions Trophy title.
