India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in a low-scoring thriller, securing a semi-final showdown with Australia in Dubai

India secured the top spot in Group A after a dominant 44-run victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win sets up a semi-final clash with Australia on Tuesday, while New Zealand will face South Africa in the other semi-final.

Batting first, India posted 249-9, thanks to Shreyas Iyer’s gritty 79, Axar Patel’s 42, and Hardik Pandya’s 45. Matt Henry’s brilliant 5-42, supported by New Zealand’s sharp fielding, kept India from reaching a more formidable total.

In reply, Kane Williamson’s classy 81 kept New Zealand in contention, but Varun Chakravarthy’s superb 5-42 dismantled the Kiwi batting line-up, bundling them out for 205.

The match also reignited discussions about India’s advantage in the tournament, with Nasser Hussain pointing out that playing all their matches in Dubai has allowed them to tailor their team selection perfectly.

New Zealand and South Africa will now fly back to Pakistan for their semi-final on Wednesday, while all eyes turn to India’s high-stakes clash against Australia.

India’s bowlers played a crucial role in defending the total, with Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav providing key breakthroughs alongside Chakravarthy’s match-winning spell. Bumrah’s early strikes put New Zealand under pressure, while Kuldeep’s clever variations prevented the middle order from settling. Despite Williamson’s resistance, the wickets kept tumbling, sealing India’s place in the semi-finals.

The victory also highlighted India’s adaptability in challenging conditions, as the slow Dubai pitch tested their batting lineup. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fell cheaply, but Iyer, Axar, and Hardik’s contributions ensured India had a competitive total. The lower order added valuable runs, a factor that proved decisive in the end.

With the semi-final against Australia looming, India will focus on refining their strategy against the five-time World Cup winners. Australia’s pace attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, will be a major challenge, and India’s top order will need to step up. The rivalry between the two teams promises an intense battle as they fight for a place in the final.