Champions Trophy final: India restrict NZ to 251/7; spinners shine
What's the story
India restricted New Zealand to 251/7 (50 overs) in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai. The Indian spinners once again spun their web, sharing six wickets. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy took two wickets each. Half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell kept NZ alive, taking them to a respectable total, given the nature of Dubai's pitch. Here are the stats.
Start
Chakravarthy breaks NZ's 50-plus opening stand
New Zealand made a brilliant start after skipper Mitchell Santner elected to bat first. Openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra added 57 runs for the first wicket, scoring at a fine pace. However, Chakravarthy dismissed Young in the eighth over to get India started. The Kiwi opener, who was trapped in front, departed for a 23-ball 15 (4s-2).
Information
Record opening stand for NZ
Young and Ravindra added 57 runs, the second 50-plus opening partnership for New Zealand in an ICC ODI tournament knockout game (World Cup or Champions Trophy), as per Cricbuzz. Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill added 71 runs in the 2015 WC semi-final against South Africa.
Wickets
India take three quick wickets to stall NZ
Kuldeep came into the attack after the first powerplay. He struck on his very first ball, knocking over Ravindra. The Kiwi opener departed for a 29-ball 37. On the second ball of his next over, Kuldeep caught and bowled Kane Williamson, reducing NZ to 75/3. Although Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell took NZ past 100, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed the former (14 off 30 balls).
Information
Notable player battles
Kuldeep dismissed Williamson for the third time in 68 balls (ODI cricket). Williamson, one of the most technical batters, averages just 18.33 against Kuldeep. Similarly, Jadeja also dismissed Latham the third time in ODIs (all lbw).
Partnerships
Phillips, Mitchell, Bracewell keep NZ afloat
Latham's dismissal brought the Kiwis down to 108/4 in 23.2 overs. However, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell added 57 runs to keep NZ in the hunt. They successfully negotiated the Indian spinners in this phase. The duo batted together for over 14 overs before Chakravarthy knocked over Phillips (34). However, Michael Bracewell joined Mitchell to take the Black Caps past 200.
Fifty
Mitchell's steady fifty powers NZ
Mitchell held his fort and completed his half-century off 91 balls, the second-slowest for New Zealand ODIs since 2011, as per Cricbuzz. Albeit a useful one, Mitchell also recorded the second-slowest fifty for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy. The Kiwi batter broke free at the death, slogging the ball around. He slammed a 101-ball 63 (3 fours) before falling to Mohammed Shami.
Information
Bracewell helps NZ get past 250
Bracewell's 50-ball 53* helped NZ get past 250. His knock was laced with three fours and two sixes. He struck at 132.50. He was part of two crucial stands alongside Mitchell and Mitchell Santner.
Do you know?
Unwanted record for Shami
As per Cricbuzz, the 74 runs conceded by Shami today is the second-most by an Indian bowler in a Champions Trophy game, after Umesh Yadav's 2/75 against South Africa in Cardiff in 2013. Shami clocked 1/74 from nine overs.