India Beats New Zealand by 44 Runs to Set Up Australia Semi-Final in Champions Trophy

Image credits: Altaf Qadri/AP

India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in the final group match of the Champions Trophy to set up a semi-final against Australia. Having been set 250 to win on a slow surface in Dubai, the Black Caps were bowled out for 205 after a masterful performance from India's spinners with Varun Chakravarthy taking 5-42. Kane Williamson's 81 kept New Zealand in contention, but the required run-rate mounted through the middle overs and the last seven wickets fell for 72 runs.

India are playing all of their matches in Dubai having chosen not to travel to Pakistan, and will face Steve Smith's Australia in the first knockout match on Tuesday. New Zealand, who had also already qualified before this match, will play South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday. India's batters also struggled for fluency as they slipped to 30-3, including another sensational catch from Glenn Phillips at point to remove Virat Kohli for 11. A patient stand of 98 between Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer, who top-scored with 79, led India's recovery before Hardik Pandya's run-a-ball 45 helped post a competitive total.

Here are the match scores:

• India 249-9 (50 overs): Iyer 79 (98); Henry 5-42
• New Zealand 205 (45.3 overs): Williamson 81 (120); Chakravarthy 5-42

New Zealand were exceptional in the field while seamer Matt Henry starred with 5-42, but it was an ominously brilliant display from the India spinners on a favourable Dubai surface where the final will also be played if they qualify. The spin quartet of India looks like it will be the biggest challenge for any team to overcome, with their ability to take wickets on a slow surface being a key factor in their success. The bowling performance of Varun Chakravarthy was particularly impressive, as he took 5-42 to help India secure the win.

The semi-final matches are scheduled as follows:

1. India vs Australia in Dubai on Tuesday
2. New Zealand vs South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday

India's batting performance was also notable, as they were able to recover from a slow start to post a competitive total. The partnership between Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer was particularly important, as it helped to stabilize the innings and set a platform for the rest of the batsmen. Overall, India's win over New Zealand was a significant one, as it sets them up for a semi-final match against Australia and gives them a chance to advance to the final of the Champions Trophy.

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