Kolkata, March 2, 2025
India defeated New Zealand by 18 runs in a high-stakes T20 World Cup group-stage match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Sunday. The win solidified India’s position at the top of Group B, while New Zealand slipped to third place. Chasing India’s competitive total of 192/6, the Kiwis managed 174/8 in 20 overs, falling short despite a late surge.
Match Summary
A packed stadium witnessed fiery performances from India’s young batters and disciplined bowling in death overs. Below is a quick overview:
| Team | Runs Scored | Wickets Lost | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 192/6 | 6 | Won by 18 runs |
| New Zealand | 174/8 | 8 | Lost |
Key Moments of the Match
1. India’s Explosive Start:
Openers Rohit Sharma (35 off 22 balls) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (48 off 30 balls) gave India a blazing start, adding 72 runs in 7.3 overs. Jaiswal’s aggressive sixes off Trent Boult’s second over shifted momentum early.
2. Middle-Order Struggles:
New Zealand fought back with Lockie Ferguson (3/34) dismissing Virat Kohli (12) and Suryakumar Yadav (9) cheaply. At 125/5 in 14 overs, India’s innings wobbled until Rinku Singh (45* off 20 balls) and Hardik Pandya (28 off 15 balls) smashed 67 runs in the final six overs.
Points Table Update
India now leads Group B with 3 wins from 3 matches. New Zealand faces a must-win clash against Australia on March 5.
Team Matches Played Wins Losses Points Net Run Rate
India 3 3 0 6 +1.82
Australia 2 2 0 4 +1.45
New Zealand 3 1 2 2 -0.33
Afghanistan 2 0 2 0 -1.10
What’s Next?
India will face Afghanistan on March 6 in Mumbai. New Zealand’s match against Australia could decide their knockout stage fate. Fans eagerly await another thrilling weekend of T20 cricket!
Final Word:
Sunday’s clash highlighted India’s depth in batting and Bumrah’s unmatched death bowling. For New Zealand, inconsistent middle-order performances remain a concern. With the T20 World Cup heating up, every match is now a survival battle.
3. New Zealand’s Chase Falters:
Devon Conway (52 off 38) and Glenn Phillips (41 off 27) kept New Zealand in the hunt. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal 18th over (2 wickets for 4 runs) sealed the game. Arshdeep Singh also took 3/28, including Conway’s crucial wicket.
Standout Performances
Rinku Singh (India): The left-handed finisher’s unbeaten 45 earned him Player of the Match. His sixes off Adam Milne in the 19th over stunned the Kiwis.
Jasprit Bumrah (India): The pace spearhead gave away only 22 runs in 4 overs, taking 2 wickets.
Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand): His 3-wicket haul briefly halted India’s charge.
Reactions from Captains
Rohit Sharma (India Captain):
“Rinku and Hardik’s partnership was the game-changer. Our bowlers handled pressure perfectly. We’re focused on keeping this momentum.”
Kane Williamson (New Zealand Captain):
“Credit to India’s death bowling. We lost too many wickets in the middle. Small margins decide these games.”
Points Table Update
India now leads Group B with 3 wins from 3 matches. New Zealand faces a must-win clash against Australia on March 5.
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +1.82 |
| Australia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +1.45 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -0.33 |
| Afghanistan | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -1.10 |
What’s Next?
India will face Afghanistan on March 6 in Mumbai. New Zealand’s match against Australia could decide their knockout stage fate. Fans eagerly await another thrilling weekend of T20 cricket!
Final Word:
Sunday’s clash highlighted India’s depth in batting and Bumrah’s unmatched death bowling. For New Zealand, inconsistent middle-order performances remain a concern. With the T20 World Cup heating up, every match is now a survival battle.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
