Iyer, Varun power fighting win over Kiwis: 2025 CT No 12 IND v NZL (Dubai)

Shreyas Iyer’s 79 off 98 balls and Varun Chakravarthy’s outstanding 5-42 powered India to a 44-run victory over New Zealand, securing their place at the top of the table.

Chasing 259, Kane Williamson struck 81 but NZ were bowled out for 205 with Varun Chakravarthy taking 5-42.

Earlier, India slipped to 30-3 after being asked to bat first. A defiant stand of 98 between Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer, who top-scored with 79, led India's recovery before Hardik Pandya's run-a-ball 45 helped post a competitive total.

India will face Group B runners-up Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday in Dubai, while New Zealand will take on South Africa in Lahore.

India 249 for 9 (Iyer 79, Axar 42, Henry 5-42) beat New Zealand 205 (Williamson 81, Varun 5-42) by 44 runs.

March 2025.