NEW DELHI: Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell struck crucial half-centuries to propel New Zealand to a competitive total of 251/7 against India in the ICC Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With a slow pitch and a disciplined Kiwi bowling attack, the question remains — will this target be enough to stop India from lifting the title?
After opting to bat first, New Zealand started solidly, with openers Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) and Will Young (15 off 23) putting on 57 runs for the first wicket. However, a flurry of quick wickets tilted the game in India’s favour, as the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) restricted the flow of runs, sharing four wickets between them.
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Kuldeep made an immediate impact, dismissing the dangerous Ravindra with his very first delivery before removing captain Kane Williamson (11) shortly after. Varun, who had provided the initial breakthrough by trapping Young LBW, later returned to send Glenn Phillips (34) back to the pavilion. At 165/5 in the 38th over, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position.
Mitchell (63 off 101) anchored the innings with a patient knock, while Bracewell’s counter-attacking 53 not out off 40 balls, featuring two sixes and three fours, ensured the Kiwis finished on a high. Their 46-run partnership for the sixth wicket provided much-needed stability before Bracewell’s late blitz helped add 40 runs in the last 4.2 overs.
India’s bowlers delivered a well-rounded performance, with Ravindra Jadeja (1/30 in 10 overs) maintaining a tight grip in the middle overs and Mohammed Shami (1/74 in 9 overs) picking up the wicket of Mitchell. However, Shami proved expensive, which could be an area of concern for India heading into their chase.
Both teams made strategic calls for the final, with India fielding an unchanged XI, while New Zealand had to replace the injured Matt Henry with Nathan Smith.
With India’s deep batting lineup and their strong record in chases, the 252-run target might not seem imposing, but the pressure of a final and the sluggish conditions in Dubai could make it a tricky pursuit. Can New Zealand’s bowlers hold their nerve and defend the total, or will India emerge victorious once again?
