Dubai: India secured a dominant 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final group match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium.

After being asked to bat first, India posted a competitive total of 249 for nine and then bowled out the Black Caps for 205, maintaining their unbeaten record in the group stage. India, invited to bat first in Dubai, faced an early collapse, reducing them to 30-3. Shubman Gill, the tournament’s top scorer, was trapped lbw for just two by Matt Henry. Skipper Rohit Sharma followed soon after, caught at square leg off Kyle Jamieson.

Virat Kohli, playing in his 300th ODI, could not make an impact, dismissed for 11 off Henry after a spectacular one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips at backward point. Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls) provided the late flourish for India, helping them reach 249/9. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 5 wickets. In their chase, New Zealand lost Rachin Ravindra early to Hardik Pandya, but Kane Williamson (81 off 120 balls) held firm, navigating a tricky pitch. However, India’s spin quartet of Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel kept the pressure on, with regular wickets falling.