New Zealand batters failed to negate India's spinners as they crumbled by 44 runs in the ongoing clash Champions Trophy match in Dubai. Rohit Sharma played four spinners - Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav, and the slow bowlers made an impact on a sluggish Dubai surface. However, the pick of the bowlers was Chakaravarthy who picked up his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI. He was hard to negate and he kept a tight leash on New Zealand batters. Axar was also at his miserly best giving away just 32 runs in 10 overs.
For New Zealand, only Kane Williamson (81) looked like taking the game away from India. The veteran was almost playing a perfect anchor role before he was outfoxed by Axar Patel. Apart from the former New Zealand captain, none of the other Kiwi batters could confidently play India's spinners, who relished bowling on the Dubai surface.
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Chasing a modest 250, New Zealand managed to get off to a very sedate start as they lost wickets of Rachin Ravindra (6), and Will Young (22). Williamson and Mitchell tried to rebuild the innings, but the latter struggled for timing for a large part of his innings and was dismissed for just 17 runs off 35 balls.
Even Latham and Phillips, who are generally good players of spin, were not able to bat freely. By playing four spinners, India proved a lot of critics wrong.
India to face Australia in the first Semi-final in Dubai
Now, India will face Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday, March 4. With pitch aiding the spinners, India will be confident of prevailing over the two-time CT winners Aussies.
Player of the Match Varun Chakaravarthy shares his views
"I did feel nervous in the initial stages. Not played a lot for India in ODIs, so was nervous. As the game progressed, felt better. Virat, Rohit, Shreyas, Hardik everyone was talking to me and asked me to calm down. Found out last night about play. Was expecting to play for the country and looking forward, but was nervous. It was not a rank-turner but if you bowled in the right places, it helped. The way Kuldeep, Jaddu, Axar bowled, even the pacers. it was a total team effort."
