New Zealand's esteemed cricketer Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India, held at the Dubai International Stadium. The New Zealand Cricket Board announced that Williamson would not participate further in the match prior to India's batting innings commencing on Sunday. Mark Chapman has been designated to replace him on the field.

In an official statement, NZC confirmed, "Kane Williamson will not take the field in the second innings of the Champions Trophy final due to a quad strain sustained while batting. Mark Chapman has stepped in to fill his position."

Earlier in the day, Williamson was dismissed for 11 runs off 14 balls, having offered a return catch to left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav while attempting to push for a single.

Throughout the Champions Trophy 2025, Williamson concluded as New Zealand's third-highest run-scorer, amassing a total of 200 runs across five matches, including a remarkable century in the semi-final against South Africa.

Additionally, New Zealand is already without fast bowler Matt Henry for the final, as he was ruled out due to a shoulder injury incurred while attempting to take a catch during the semi-final against South Africa. Despite his efforts to recover, Henry was unable to pass the fitness test and was seen leaving the field in tears on Sunday morning.

India restrict New Zealand to 251/7

Under the astute leadership of Kuldeep Yadav, who recorded figures of 2 for 40, the Indian spin contingent excelled in the prevailing conditions. However, well-executed half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell propelled New Zealand to a respectable total of 251 for seven.

Daryl Mitchell, scoring 63 runs off 101 deliveries, along with Bracewell, who contributed 53 runs from 40 balls, successfully guided the Blackcaps through a challenging middle phase after they chose to bat first. Nevertheless, the promising start by New Zealand did not fully reflect the total they ultimately achieved. They surged to 69 for 1 within the first 10 overs, despite the early loss of Will Young to Varun Chakravarthy, who bowled in the sixth over and finished with figures of 2 for 45.

The introduction of Kuldeep in the 11th over significantly altered the dynamics of the match. With his very first delivery, he dismissed Rachin Ravindra, who misjudged a cleverly disguised googly that uprooted his stumps. Following the departure of Kane Williamson, the Kiwis found themselves in a precarious position at 75 for 3.

From that moment onward, the Indian spin quartet took command of the match, and New Zealand struggled to find the boundary for the next 81 deliveries. This prolonged drought was finally interrupted when Glenn Phillips struck Kuldeep for a six over long-off.

Both Kuldeep and Varun, who occasionally exceeded the 100 km/h mark, managed to extract significant turn from the pitch. In contrast, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja relied more on their pace to restrict the Kiwis' batters' ability to maneuver.

Read Also: Turning Point: Kuldeep Yadav Shines With Twin Strikes Against New Zealand

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!