India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Batting first, India posted a total of 249/9 in 50 overs. After losing early wickets, Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42) built a crucial 98-run partnership. Hardik Pandya contributed 45 runs, while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja added 23 and 16, respectively. Matt Henry led New Zealand’s bowling attack with five wickets.

In response, New Zealand struggled with regular wickets falling and were all out for 205 in 45.3 overs. Kane Williamson was the top scorer with 81, followed by Mitchell Santner (28) and Will Young (22). Varun Chakaravarthy’s exceptional bowling spell secured five wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav took two. Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Pandya claimed one wicket each.

Varun Chakaravarthy was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance. The victory strengthens India’s position in the tournament, while New Zealand faces an uphill battle to qualify for the next stage.