Sun Mar 02 11:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India Sets New Zealand 250-Run Target in Thrilling Champions Trophy Clash
**Dubai, UAE:** India narrowly edged out New Zealand in a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, setting a 250-run target for the Black Caps in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match. The victory will see India top Group A and advance to the semi-finals against Australia.
India’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets of Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15), and Virat Kohli (11) within the first 6.4 overs. However, crucial partnerships, notably a 98-run stand between Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42), steadied the ship. Despite Iyer and Patel’s efforts, India’s batting struggled to maintain momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 5 wickets for 42 runs. Hardik Pandya’s late-innings 45 added some late flourish, but India ultimately finished on 249/9.
India’s batting was criticized for its slow pace, particularly in the middle overs. The team scored only three boundaries in the first ten overs, resulting in a run rate of just 3.7. Although they improved their run rate in the middle overs, they still struggled to accelerate sufficiently. The final ten overs yielded a more respectable 64 runs, but the damage had been done.
The match marks Virat Kohli’s 300th ODI, a significant milestone for the Indian batting stalwart. Rohit Sharma also had the opportunity to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs scored as ODI captain, needing 68 runs to achieve this feat.
New Zealand’s chase began with Will Young and Rachin Ravindra at the crease. The pitch, described as slowing down throughout the day, is expected to present a considerable challenge to the New Zealand openers. The match is poised to be a close and exciting finish.
First Piper 