India vs New Zealand Live Score, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell fifties take New Zealand to 251/7 against India in Dubai
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Black Caps suffered an early setback with fast bowler Matt Henry ruled out due to a shoulder injury. India, coming off a dominant semi-final win against Australia, remained unchanged and relied on their spin attack to keep New Zealand in check on a sluggish pitch that has consistently favored slow bowlers throughout the tournament in Pakistan and the UAE.
Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with two wickets each, applying relentless pressure on the New Zealand batters. India, who have played all their matches in Dubai due to their decision to skip traveling to host nation Pakistan, continued their unbeaten run at the venue.
Mitchell anchored the innings with a steady 63, while Bracewell provided a late flourish, smashing an unbeaten 53 off just 40 balls to push New Zealand past the 250-run mark.
New Zealand openers started cautiously before Rachin Ravindra, their hero from the semi-final against South Africa, looked to accelerate. The left-hander, coming off a brilliant century in Lahore, took the attack to Mohammed Shami, striking a six and two fours in quick succession.
However, India’s fielding woes gave him two lifelines—Shami dropped a tough return catch, and Shreyas Iyer put down another opportunity in the deep. But Kuldeep made an immediate impact, cleaning up Ravindra for 37 with a sharp googly on his very first delivery.
The left-arm wrist spinner struck again soon after, sending captain Kane Williamson back for 11, caught and bowled to a roaring response from the largely pro-India crowd. Williamson, who had scored a century in the semi-final, looked fluent during his 14-ball stay before falling victim to Kuldeep’s deception.
With New Zealand reeling at 108-4, Mitchell and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham attempted to rebuild. Their partnership took the team past 100 before Ravindra Jadeja trapped Latham LBW for 14, dealing another blow to the Kiwis.
Mitchell, who was dropped on 38 by Rohit Sharma, held firm and stitched together a 57-run stand with Glenn Phillips (34). But just as New Zealand looked to regain momentum, Chakravarthy struck again, cleaning up Phillips with a fast googly.
Mitchell continued to fight, adding valuable runs with Bracewell before falling to Shami, caught at extra cover. Bracewell, however, ensured a competitive total with a late onslaught, hammering three fours and two sixes to take New Zealand to 251-7.
Chasing 252, India now have the opportunity to claim their third Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 (shared) and 2013. A victory would put them ahead of Australia, who have also won two titles (2006, 2009).
With a well-balanced bowling attack and a strong batting lineup, India will be confident in their pursuit of history under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
