Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell slam fifties in Champions Trophy final
What's the story
New Zealand racked up 251/7 (50 overs) against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai.
The Indian spinners once again spun their web, sharing six wickets. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy took two wickets each.
However, half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell took the Black Caps to a respectable total, given the nature of Dubai's pitch.
Here are the stats.
Summary
Summary of NZ's innings
Will Young and Rachin Ravindra added 57 runs after NZ skipper Mitchell Santner elected to bat.
However, Chakravarthy and Kuldeep reduced NZ to 75/3 in no time.
Tom Latham too departed after NZ crossed 100, but Glenn Phillips and Daryl propelled them past 160.
While Daryl departed after completing his fifty, Bracewell punished the Indian seamers with a whirlwind 53*(40).
Mitchell
Mitchell steady fifty powers NZ
Mitchell held his fort and completed his half-century off 91 balls, the second-slowest for New Zealand since 2011, as per Cricbuzz.
Albeit a useful one, he also recorded the second-slowest fifty for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.
The Kiwi batter broke free at the death, slogging the ball around. He slammed a 101-ball 63 (3 fours) before falling to Mohammed Shami.
Bracewell
Bracewell slogs post Mitchell's departure
Bracewell came in after NZ were tottering on 165/5 in 37.5 overs. He took some time to settle in, taking the Kiwis past 200.
However, he started slogging post Mitchell's departure in the 46th over.
The last four overs saw Bracewell's rampage, as he slammed 53* off 40 balls. His knock was laced with 3 fours and 2 sixes.
Career
Mitchell surpasses 1,900 ODI runs; 3rd fifty-plus score for Bracewell
With another important knock, Mitchell raced past 1,900 runs in ODI cricket.
In 49 ODIs, the senior Kiwi batter has amassed 1,904 runs at an average of 48.82. His tally includes six tons and eight half-centuries.
On the other hand, Bracewell has raced to 672 runs from 31 matches at an average of 39.52. It was his third fifty-plus score (two tons).