Champions Trophy 2025: Varun Chakaravarthy Scripts History Against New Zealand, Becomes 2nd Indian Bowler To Achieve THIS Feat

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Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy etched his name in the history books on Sunday (March 2) with a remarkable performance against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Making his debut in the prestigious tournament, the 33-year-old spinner delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 5 for 42 in 10 overs and joining Mohammed Shami as only the second Indian bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul on Champions Trophy debut.

A Dominant Display with the Ball

Chakaravarthy was drafted into the playing XI for India's final Group A fixture in place of Harshit Rana, and he made an immediate impact. His first breakthrough came in the 12th over when he breached Will Young's defense, clean bowling him for 22 runs off 35 balls. He then trapped Glenn Phillips leg-before-wicket for 12 runs off just 8 balls.

The seasoned spinner continued his dominance by dismissing Michael Bracewell lbw for 2 runs before completing his five-wicket haul in his final over. He bowled Mitchell Santner and later got Matt Henry caught by Virat Kohli, capping off a brilliant performance that helped India secure a convincing win.

India March into Semifinals

With this victory, India finished at the top of Group A, having won all three of its matches. The Rohit Sharma-led side will now lock horns with Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday (March 4) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The two teams share a storied rivalry and are the most successful sides in the history of the Champions Trophy.

Road to the Final

If India emerge victorious against Australia, it will advance to the final, scheduled for Sunday (March 9) in Dubai. The other semifinal will see South Africa take on New Zealand, with the winner earning a spot in the summit clash. However, if Australia win, they will face the winner of the South Africa-New Zealand match in Lahore.

With Chakaravarthy's stellar performance adding to India's confidence, all eyes will be on the semifinal showdown against a formidable Australian side. The Men in Blue will be keen to continue their winning momentum and inch closer to securing another major ICC trophy.