Chakravarthy achieves a fifer, leads India to Champions Trophy semifinals
India secured their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal spot with a 44-run win over New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 02. Reserved spinner Varun Chakravarthy stole the spotlight with a five-wicket haul (fifer) that knocked down New Zealand’s chase.
This win not only sealed India’s place in the knockout stage but also witnessed star player Virat Kohli’s milestone. He became the seventh Indian cricketer to play 300 ODIs in history. Kohli celebrated in style, channeling his inner Cristiano Ronaldo with a signature ‘Siuuu’ on the field.
Star performances power India to win
Given the chance to bat first after New Zealand opted to bowl, India posted a total of 249/9 in 50 overs. Shreyas Iyer secured the first inning with a gritty 79 off 92 balls, with Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel chipping in a steady 45 and 42, respectively. Their teamwork held India stable after early wicket losses to New Zealand’s tough bowlers, led by Matt Henry.
However, Chakravarthy’s grit with the ball turned the match in India’s favour. The ‘mystery spinner’ rattled the Black Caps batters with his debut 5/42, which also blocked them at 205. His fifer marked India’s third off the tournament.
Indian team captain Rohit Sharma shared admiration for the reserve. 'He has something different about him. There’s no doubt about it,’ he said. Initially a reserve for the Champions Trophy, Chakravarthy was later added to the main team, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal.
NZ struggles with the bat
The Black Caps’ chase started shaky after losing wickets early. Pandya’s sharp bowls quickly dismissed Rachin Ravindra after posting a 17/1 play. Despite grabbing a brave 39 from Glenn Phillips and 32 from all-rounder Mitchell Santner, the team were reduced to 165/6 in 40 overs.
During the 41st over, Axar Patel stumped off the Black Caps’ Kane Williamson, ending the team's hopes. India’s pace attack was to blame. Led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, New Zealand kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Even Henry’s all-round play was not able to save them. The Black Caps were bowled out for 205/10 in 45.3 overs.
India to face Australia in the semifinals
After their victory against the Black Caps, the Men in Blue is set to face Australia in the semifinals on Tuesday, March 04, in Dubai. It’s a much-awaited game after India lost to Australia during the 2023 ICC World Cup finals.
Australia is known for their aggressive plays, which could be a challenge for India. However, with Chakravarthy on the rise and star players Kohli, Iyer, and Sharma leading the bat, India might stand a chance.
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