[WATCH] Varun Chakaravarthy’s Brilliant Delivery Dismisses Will Young

In a crucial 2025 Champions Trophy match between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy outfoxed Will Young with a deceptive delivery. The incident took place in the 12th over when Chakaravarthy bowled a well-disguised googly outside off-stump.

Young, attempting a defensive shot, managed an inside edge, but the ball spun sharply and crashed into the stumps, sending him back for 22 runs. This marked New Zealand’s second wicket, leaving them at 49/2 while chasing a 250-run target.

Chakaravarthy’s inclusion in the playing XI was a tactical move, as he replaced Harshit Rana, who was rested for this match. The leg-spinner had recently impressed in both T20I and ODI series against England, which earned him a last-minute spot in India’s 15-member squad for the 50-over tournament. His impact was immediate, strengthening India’s position in the game.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐘'𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐘𝐔𝐇 😵

Varun Chakaravarthy gets second wicket, sending Will Young back to the pavilion with a brilliant delivery 🤯#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!… pic.twitter.com/m4L4vvjol8

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 2, 2025

India’s Bowling Dominates as New Zealand Struggles

India’s disciplined bowling attack made early inroads into the New Zealand batting lineup. Alongside Will Young, Rachin Ravindra was also dismissed cheaply for six runs off 12 balls. His departure came courtesy of a sharp catch by Axar Patel off Hardik Pandya’s bowling. As of the latest update, New Zealand stood at 57/2 after 16.3 overs, with captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell attempting to stabilize the innings.

Earlier, India posted a competitive total of 249/9 in their 50 overs. Shreyas Iyer played a key role, scoring 79 off 98 balls, while Axar Patel contributed a valuable 42 off 61. Hardik Pandya provided late acceleration with a run-a-ball 45. However, top-order stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill failed to make an impact. For New Zealand, Matt Henry was the standout performer, securing a five-wicket haul to keep India’s total in check.

Champions Trophy Semifinals Line-Up Takes Shape

The outcome of this match holds significant implications for the Champions Trophy standings. The winner will claim the top spot in Group A, finalizing the semifinal line-up. From Group B, South Africa and Australia have already secured their places in the knockout stage. The semifinals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, setting the stage for high-stakes clashes as the tournament heads toward its conclusion.

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