Varun Chakravarthy’s Heroics Secure India’s Spot in Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Finals
Dubai witnessed a spin masterclass as Varun Chakravarthy dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup, securing a sensational five-wicket haul in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His match-winning 5 for 42 helped India register a commanding 44-run victory, cementing their spot in the semi-finals where they will face Australia.
Chakravarthy’s mystery spin left New Zealand’s batting order in tatters, proving why he remains a crucial asset for India in white-ball cricket. With this win, India remained unbeaten in the tournament, finishing at the top of Group A.
Key Highlights:
India vs New Zealand: Match Summary
Batting first, India posted 249/9 in 50 overs, with Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42) anchoring the innings. However, New Zealand pacer Matt Henry’s brilliant 5-wicket haul (5/42) kept India from crossing the 250-run mark.
In response, New Zealand struggled against Varun Chakravarthy’s spin web, collapsing for 205 runs in 44.2 overs. Despite a solid start, Chakravarthy’s relentless variations proved too difficult to handle, ensuring a comfortable Indian victory.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Bowling Figures: A Match-Winning Spell
✅ Overs bowled: 9.2
✅ Runs conceded: 42
✅ Wickets taken: 5
✅ Economy rate: 4.50
His spell was a perfect blend of precision, deception, and tactical brilliance, dismantling key New Zealand batters. His sharp turn, unpredictable variations, and ability to choke runs made him India’s game-changer.
Captain Rohit Sharma Praises Varun Chakravarthy’s Performance
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma lauded Chakravarthy’s match-winning performance, emphasizing how his unique bowling style gives India a strategic advantage in crucial matches.
🔹 “He has got something different about him, there’s no doubt. We just wanted to try and see what he can offer, and we saw he has a lot to offer,” said Sharma post-match.
With the semi-final against Australia approaching, Sharma acknowledged the selection dilemma in India’s spin department, calling it a “happy headache” for the team management.
A Game-Changer for India’s Spin Attack?
Varun Chakravarthy’s match-winning spell has reignited discussions about his role in India’s limited-overs setup.
✔ His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs makes him a versatile asset.
✔ His carrom ball, leg-breaks, and deceptive googlies add unpredictability to India’s attack.
✔ With Australia as India’s next challenge, Chakravarthy’s presence in the playing XI could be a crucial factor in the semi-finals.
Looking Ahead: India vs Australia Semi-Final
With India’s dominant run in the Champions Trophy 2025, the semi-final against Australia promises to be a high-intensity battle. The team management will need to strategize their bowling attack carefully, considering both Chakravarthy’s brilliance and Australia’s strong batting lineup.
🔹 Will Varun Chakravarthy play a key role in the semi-final?
🔹 Can India continue their unbeaten streak and secure a spot in the final?
The answers will unfold in what promises to be an electrifying clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals.
Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul has once again proven his worth in India’s T20 and ODI setups. His performance against New Zealand not only secured India’s semi-final berth but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most unpredictable spinners in world cricket.
India’s journey in the Champions Trophy 2025 continues, and with Chakravarthy’s form peaking at the right time, fans can expect more thrilling moments in the upcoming knockout stages.
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