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'Couldn't Master The Mystery': Ramiz Raja Critics Kiwis After India's Spin Magic In Dubai

Soumyajit Dutta

Varun CV and Ramiz Raja [Source: @BCCI/X.com]Varun CV and Ramiz Raja [Source: @BCCI/X.com]

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has criticized New Zealand's batting performance against India's spin attack in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. New Zealand have suffered a slump in front of India's spin attack and Raja was vocal about their struggle.

Expressing his surprise at the Kiwis' inability to tackle spin effectively despite having played against India earlier in the tournament, Raja remarked that New Zealand had failed to decode the "mystery" of India's spinners.

Ramiz Raja Bashes New Zealand's Batting

Ramiz Raja was astonished at the way New Zealand approached the Indian spinners and commented on their inability to stand up against them.

"I'm surprised with how New Zealand have played the Indian spin after already playing them in Dubai. They have not been able to master the mystery of Indian spin," Raja said highlighting the Kiwis' struggles against India's formidable spin trio.

New Zealand's Struggles Continue

As the match stands, New Zealand are at 205/5 in 45.1 overs, with Daryl Mitchell holding the fort at 57 off 98 balls and Michael Bracewell contributing with a run-a-ball 24. 

The Blackcaps' scoring rate has been modest, hovering at 4.54, as they grappled with India's spinners on a sluggish Dubai pitch. India's spin attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, has been instrumental in keeping New Zealand in check. 

Kuldeep has been exceptional, claiming two wickets for 36 runs, while Chakaravarthy's mystery spin fetched him two key wickets for 45 runs. Ravindra Jadeja also played a crucial role, dismissing Tom Latham and maintaining an impressive economy rate.

Early Blows and Spin Domination

New Zealand got off to a decent start, with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra stitching a 57-run partnership. However, once the spinners were introduced, the momentum shifted sharply in India’s favour. Kuldeep Yadav’s dismissal of Rachin Ravindra for 37 and his subsequent removal of Kane Williamson for 11 derailed New Zealand's innings. 

Chakaravarthy then struck twice, including the scalp of Glenn Phillips, who managed a fighting 34 off 52 balls. Raja's comments echoed the sentiments of many experts who felt New Zealand should have been better prepared for India's spin challenge, especially after their previous encounters on the same surface.