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.
