India's Spin Quartet Dominates New Zealand in CT Final

India's spin quartet, comprising Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, kept New Zealand to a modest 251 in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, 2025.

New Zealand's Innings

New Zealand's innings started and ended in a flourish, thanks to useful cameos from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell. However, the Indian spinners kept them in check, largely due to the slow surface and their ability to stick to straight lines.

Key Moments

• Daryl Mitchell fought his way to a 101-ball 63, but was eventually dismissed by Mohammed Shami for 63.
• Michael Bracewell brought up his 50 in the final over and dragged New Zealand past the 250-mark with 35 coming in the last three overs bowled by pace.
• Varun Chakaravarthy started with a googly that went for four byes, but created the chance that India was after with Rachin Ravindra top-edging a slog-sweep.
• Kuldeep Yadav turned the innings on its head with his first delivery of the game – a wrong 'un that sneaked past Ravindra's dab.

Brief Scores

New Zealand 251/7 (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53*; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-45, Kuldeep Yadav 2-40) vs India