New Zealand vs India: How spinners got rid of Kiwi top-order | ICC Champions Trophy final

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final: New Zealand started their innings strongly against India on Sunday thanks to a 57-run stand between Rachin Ravindra and Will Young. Rohit Sharma quickly brought in his spinners to counter the New Zealand openers who went all guns blazing against Mohammad Shami and Hardik Pandya at the Dubai International Stadium.

Varun Chakravarthy saw Rachin Ravindra successfully reversing an out decision but dismissed his partner to finally break the partnership. However, the duo had by then managed to complete their primary target -- give the team an explosive start.

Young was dismissed for 15 of 23 balls by KKR's mystery spinner Chakravarthy. He was trapped leg before while trying to flick the ball. Young walked back sans going for a review after having the more aggressive Rachin's back for 47 balls.

In the very first ball after the conclusion of the batting powerplay, Ravindra was cleaned up by leggie Kuldeep Yadav with his first ball of the game. A googly sneaked past the inside edge of the left-hander brushing past the pad to disturb the bails. He was gone for 37 off 29, having managed four boundaries and a six.

It was the experienced Kane Williamson who fell next, handing an easy return catch to Yadav. The former captain ended up chipping up the ball while trying to play a front-foot defense off a floated delivery. He made 11 off 14 balls.

Williamson's wicket sealed India's strong comeback into the game as the Kiwis slipped to 75/3 in 12.2 overs from 69/1 at the end of the powerplay.