India is pushing hard to defend 249 runs against New Zealand in their last group-stage match of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

With early wickets from Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakaravarthy, India has managed to keep New Zealand’s scoring in check. However, Kane Williamson (36) looks settled* and could be the key to the chase.

Current Score: New Zealand – 84/2 (21.3 Overs)
Target: 250 Runs
Required Run Rate: 5.26 RPO

Live Match Summary – India vs New Zealand

India’s Batting Recap: 249/9 in 50 Overs

India, after losing early wickets, struggled to reach 200 but was lifted by Hardik Pandya’s late fireworks.

Key Performances:
Shreyas Iyer – 79 (98)
Axar Patel – 42 (61)
Hardik Pandya – 45 (36) (Late Cameo)
Matt Henry – 5/42 (Star Bowler for NZ)

At one stage, India looked in trouble before Pandya’s big hits helped them post a competitive total.

New Zealand’s Chase So Far: 84/2 in 21.3 Overs

Wickets Fallen:
Rachin Ravindra – 6 (12) | c Axar Patel b Hardik Pandya
Will Young – 22 (35) | b Varun Chakaravarthy

Current Batters:

• Kane Williamson – 36 (48) (Steady at the crease)*
• Daryl Mitchell – 11 (22) (New at the crease)*

Indian Bowlers So Far:

Hardik Pandya – 1/17 (4 Overs) (Early breakthrough)
Varun Chakaravarthy – 1/20 (5 Overs) (Outfoxed Will Young)
Axar Patel – 0/14 (5 Overs) (Building pressure)
Kuldeep Yadav – 0/10 (2.3 Overs) (Recently introduced)

Key Moment: Kane Williamson smashed Kuldeep Yadav for a FOUR in the 19th over, showing signs of attacking intent.

What’s Next? Can India Strike Again?

• India’s spinners have kept NZ’s scoring under control, but Williamson and Mitchell could be a crucial partnership.
• If India gets Williamson’s wicket, the match could tilt in their favor.
• New Zealand still needs 166 runs in 172 balls, so the next 10 overs will be crucial in determining the match’s direction.