India beat New Zealand by 44 runs in a low-scoring contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday to top Group A in the Champions Trophy.
Electing to field, New Zealand restricted India to 249 for 9 with Matt Henry, who took five for 42, leading a fine team bowling display backed up by their characteristic sharp catching.
Shreyas Iyer (79), Axar Patel (42) and Hardik Pandya (45) scored valuable runs but India still settled for a below-par total.
However, the leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, with 5 for 42, helped India bundle out New Zealand for 205 despite Kane Williamson’s classy 81.
India will face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday. New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.







