Dubai: India were set a target of 252 by New Zealand to win the Champions Trophy here on Sunday.
Opting to bat, New Zealand was restricted to 251 for 7 with the Indian bowlers, especially the spinners, producing a clinical performance in the summit clash.
Daryl Mitchell top-scored for New Zealand with 63 from 101 balls, while Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips contributed 53 not out, 37 and 34 respectively.
The side opened with Rachin Ravindra and Will Young coming in to bat, and it was Young who departed early on a score of 15 runs. Furthermore, Ravindra, who looked dangerous in the early stages of the first innings, was also sent packing on a score of 37 runs in 29 deliveries.
After the first two wickets, the onus fell onto the shoulders of Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. However, India struck once more, dismissing the dangerous Kane Williamson on a score of 11 runs in 14 deliveries. After three wickets, it was the knock of Daryl Mitchell that propelled New Zealand towards a fighting total. Mitchell amassed 63 runs in 101 deliveries. Furthermore, Michael Bracewell put in a good showing towards the back end of the first innings, scoring 53* runs in 40 deliveries.
As for team India, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy were the highest wicket takers with two wickets each to their names. Furthermore, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja took one wicket each as well. New Zealand have posted a target of 252 in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. India will have to put in a good performance in the run chase if they are looking to get their hands on yet another ICC title.
