Indias Spin Quartet Stifles New Zealand to 251 in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

India lost their 15th consecutive toss in ODIs, but that did not prevent them from exerting control and keeping New Zealand down to 251 in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, 2025. New Zealand's innings started and ended in a flourish through useful cameos but were largely kept in check by India's spin strength. Daryl Mitchell fought his way to a 101-ball 63, absorbing and trying to revert the pressure exerted by India's spin quartet.

The four Indian spinners had not only dragged the game back in India's favor after a rapid start in the powerplay but changed the color of the innings overall on a slow surface, sticking to straight lines largely. Early on, it was New Zealand that did all the running, thanks to an attacking Rachin Ravindra at the top. The leading run-scorer of the tournament showcased the form he was in with some delectable shots off the pacers. However, Kuldeep Yadav turned the innings on its head with his first delivery of the game - a wrong 'un that sneaked past Ravindra's dab.

Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel kept the pressure up through the middle overs, allowing no freebies even when there was no extravagant turn on offer. The final saw India's spinners being required to bowl more than they did in any game in the tournament, and that they managed to collectively bowl within stump lines for 37% of the time meant that New Zealand's risk-taking always came with a greater threat than usual. Brief Scores: New Zealand 251/7 (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53*; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-45, Kuldeep Yadav 2-40) vs India.