CT 2025: New Zealand falls to Chakravarthy's ploy as India tops Group A with 44-run win

New Zealand fell to India's spin ploy as the Rohit Sharma-led side ended at the top of Group A with a 44-run victory in Dubai on Sunday.

- AGENCIES

India decided to drop Harshit Rana and field four spinners for their final group-stage game before the semifinals. The decision worked wonders as India's ball tweakers spun New Zealand batters inside out to defend its 249-run target successfully.

With a third victory on the trot, India ended the group stage with six points, while New Zealand finished in second with four points.

Kane Williamson waged a lone war as the Kiwis continued to get outdone by Indian spinners. The various renditions of the sweep shot were the escape route that New Zealand batters tried to use to avoid the threat of Indian spinners.

However, with the pitch constantly used, spinners continued to thrive, making the chase a taxing affair for the Blackcaps.

In New Zealand's pursuit of the 250-run target, Hardik Pandya drew the first blood by removing Rachin Ravindra (6), courtesy of Axar Patel's stellar catch. Will Young looked more assured but got clean bowled by mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy for 22.

Despite these early blows, New Zealand reached their 50-run mark in 12.2 overs.

Daryl Mitchell was the third to fall, trapped LBW by Kuldeep Yadav for 17, leaving New Zealand tottering at 93/3. The team crossed the 100-run mark in 25.3 overs as Williamson held firm at one end.

Williamson showcased his composure, reaching a well-earned half-century in 77 balls. However, India continued to chip away at the Kiwi batting lineup, with Tom Latham being trapped in front of the stumps by Ravindra Jadeja for 14.