Spin Quartet Restrains New Zealand to 251 in CT Final – Cricbuzz.com

**2025 ICC Champions Trophy Final: India’s Spin Quartet Restricts New Zealand to 251**

In a remarkable display of spin prowess, India effectively limited New Zealand to 251 runs in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, despite losing their 15th consecutive toss in ODIs. New Zealand’s innings began with promise, thanks to some powerful cameos, but was soon curtailed by India’s adept spin attack.

Daryl Mitchell emerged as New Zealand’s mainstay, scoring a resilient 63 off 101 deliveries amidst pressure from India’s quartet of spinners. The game dynamics shifted significantly in India’s favor after a buoyant start from New Zealand in the powerplay. Initially, Rachin Ravindra, the tournament’s top run-scorer, demonstrated his exceptional form with a series of exquisite shots against the Indian pacers. This aggressive strategy forced Indian captain Rohit Sharma to employ his spinners earlier than usual, following expensive overs from Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami.

Varun Chakaravarthy began his spell with a four-run bye off a googly but soon caused the breakthrough India needed. Despite a missed opportunity by Shreyas Iyer, Chakaravarthy dismissed Will Young for a 58-run opening partnership, trapping him LBW. At that juncture, Ravindra was in scintillating form, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s 69 runs within the first 10 overs.

However, it was Kuldeep Yadav who altered the course of the match with his first delivery – a deceptive wrong ‘un that dismissed Ravindra. He further cemented India’s dominance by catching Kane Williamson on his follow-through. Reduced to 75/3, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position, necessitating conservative cricket from Tom Latham and Mitchell.

The Indian spinners, particularly Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, maintained relentless pressure throughout the middle overs, stemming the flow of runs. Their precise line of attack ensured that any attempt by New Zealand to accelerate was fraught with risk, supported by the statistic that India’s spinners operated within the stumps 37% of the time.

Latham’s dismissal for a LBW to Jadeja ended a painstaking 33-run stand off 66 balls which featured just a solitary boundary. Mitchell then engaged in another cautious partnership with Glenn Phillips, though both players were recipients of India’s otherwise lacklustre fielding performances. Phillips eventually succumbed to Chakaravarthy’s googly for 34.

Mitchell brought up his fifty and found an adventurous partner in Michael Bracewell. Their 45-run partnership propelled New Zealand past the 200-run mark, but Mitchell’s departure, caught by Shami at cover, was untimely. Nevertheless, Bracewell’s inventive batting against the seamers in the final overs ensured New Zealand finished with a competitive score, reaching his personal fifty in the penultimate over.

**Brief Scores:**
New Zealand 251/7 (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53*; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-45, Kuldeep Yadav 2-40)

India’s spinners demonstrated exceptional poise and strategic acumen on a challenging surface, setting up an intriguing contest in the tournament finale.

© Cricbuzz

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