Indian spinners dominated the Champions Trophy 2025 final, restricting New Zealand to 251 for 7 in 50 overs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy picked up two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami claimed one apiece after New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bat first.
The Blackcaps were in trouble at 196 for 7 in 44 overs after Chakravarthy bowled Glenn Phillips. Daryl Mitchell (63) fought hard, reaching his half-century off 91 balls, while Michael Bracewell (53) provided support, but the team struggled to maintain a scoring rate above four.
Earlier, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young gave New Zealand a solid start with a 57-run opening stand – the highest against India in the tournament. However, the momentum shifted when the spinners took charge. Chakravarthy provided the breakthrough by trapping Young LBW, while Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Ravindra with a well-pitched googly before sending Kane Williamson back with a simple return catch.
Ravindra (37 off 29) had attacked the Indian pacers early on, hitting four boundaries and a six as Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya found it difficult to stem the flow of runs. However, once the spinners stepped in, New Zealand lost their grip, slipping to 83 for 3 after 15 overs.
New Zealand made one change, bringing in Nathan Smith for the injured Matt Henry, while India fielded an unchanged XI.
