India sets target of 250 for New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy

(Web Desk): India finished their 50 overs with 249/9 in the ICC Champions Trophy Group A match against New Zealand in Dubai. Hardik Pandya played a key role in boosting India’s total with a knock of 45 runs off 45 balls. Matt Henry was the star bowler for New Zealand, taking five wickets for 42 runs.

KL Rahul contributed 23 runs, and Pandya, along with Ravindra Jadeja (16), added 51 runs for the sixth and seventh wickets, which helped India reach a competitive score. Henry’s excellent performance saw him dismiss Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Pandya, Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami. Kyle Jamieson, O’Rourke, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra each took one wicket.

With 249 runs on the board, India will now look to defend their total, while New Zealand will try for a strong start in their chase.

Earlier, Shreyas Iyer scored 79 runs off 98 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Iyer was caught by Will Young off William O’Rourke in the 37th over, ending a 44-run partnership with KL Rahul. Iyer played a crucial role in rebuilding India’s innings after early wickets, forming a 98-run partnership with Axar Patel, who scored 42 off 61 balls. Patel was dismissed by Rachin Ravindra, ending the partnership.

India faced early setbacks, losing three wickets in the first six overs. Openers Shubman Gill (2) and Rohit Sharma (15) were dismissed early, with Gill trapped LBW by Matt Henry and Rohit caught by Will Young off Kyle Jamieson. Virat Kohli (11) was also out quickly, edging a Henry delivery to Glenn Phillips.

Henry (2/26) and Jamieson (1/14) kept up the pressure with tight bowling. They were supported by Will O’Rourke and captain Mitchell Santner.

Earlier in the match, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first. This match is the final Group A game of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams had won their first two matches, and the winner of this match would secure the top spot in the group.