Dubai, UAE – March 2025 – In a masterstroke of tactical brilliance, Indian captain Rohit Sharma unleashed a four-pronged spin attack in their final Group A match against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium. The move paid off handsomely as India secured a 44-run victory, topping their group and setting up a semifinal clash against Australia.
The Spin Formula
Inspired by the West Indies’ legendary four-pronged pace attack of the 1970s, India opted for a spin-heavy strategy, replacing young pacer Harshit Rana with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, Chakravarthy completed a formidable quartet that stifled New Zealand’s batting lineup on a slow Dubai surface.
After posting a modest 249 for nine in 50 overs, India’s spinners took center stage. Chakravarthy led the charge with a stunning five-wicket haul (10-0-42-5), while Axar (10-0-32-1), Kuldeep (9.3-0-56-2), and Jadeja (8-0-36-1) provided crucial support. The Kiwis, despite a valiant 81 from captain Kane Williamson, were bowled out for 205 in 45.5 overs.
Middle-Overs Mastery
The Indian spinners’ dominance in the middle overs proved decisive. Williamson’s classy knock was the lone bright spot for New Zealand, as none of the other batters could withstand the relentless pressure applied by the spin quartet.
“It was not a rank-turner, but if you bowled in the right places, it helped. The way Kuldeep, Jaddu, and Axar bowled, even the pacers, it was a total team effort,” said man-of-the-match Chakravarthy, who dismissed Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry.
Batting Resilience
India’s batting effort, though not spectacular, was resilient. After a top-order collapse left them reeling at 30 for three in 6.4 overs, Shreyas Iyer (79 off 98 balls) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) steadied the ship with a crucial 98-run partnership. Hardik Pandya’s explosive 45 off 45 balls provided the finishing touches, ensuring India had a competitive total to defend.
New Zealand’s Struggles
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenges posed by the pitch and India’s spin attack. “A slower wicket than what we have come up against. India controlled the middle phase. Shreyas batted well, and Hardik finished off. The pitch spun more than we thought, spun more than the other games here. Four quality spinners make it tough,” he admitted.
Road to the Final
With the win, India secured the top spot in Group A and will face Australia in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Stadium. New Zealand, meanwhile, will travel to Lahore to take on South Africa in the second semifinal.
If India advance, they will play the final in Dubai on March 9. However, if Australia win the semifinal, the final will shift to Lahore on the same day.
A Chance to End the Drought
India’s spin-heavy strategy, tailored to the conditions in Dubai, has given them a genuine shot at ending their 12-year wait for an ICC Trophy in the 50-over format. While this may not herald a new era of domination like the West Indies’ pace attack did in the 1970s, it could be the key to unlocking Champions Trophy glory in 2025.
As Rohit Sharma aptly put it, “Very important for us to finish on a high. With our quality bowlers, we had the confidence to defend that total.”