Champions Trophy: India beat New Zealand to top Group A

DUBAI: India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in a low-scoring contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday to top Group A in the Champions Trophy.

Electing to field, New Zealand restricted India to 249-9 with Matt Henry (5-42) leading their superb bowling display backed up by their characteristic sharp catching.

Shreyas Iyer (79), Axar Patel (42) and Hardik Pandya (45) scored valuable runs but India still settled for a below-par total.

Varun Chakravarthy (5-42) helped India bundle out New Zealand for 205 despite Kane Williamson’s classy 81.

India will face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday.

New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.

Indian Squad

India’s team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, includes Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Varun Chakravarthy.

New Zealand Squad

New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, features Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Will