Champions Trophy: India played 'perfect' cricket in New Zealand win, says Sharma

Rohit Sharma said India played "perfect" cricket in their Champions Trophy win over New Zealand that sealed top spot in Group A on Sunday.

India, led by Varun Chakaravarthy's stunning 5-42, won by 44 runs against New Zealand to set up a semi-final meeting with Australia.

Indeed, it is a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final where Pat Cummins' side ended India's unbeaten run in a home tournament to take the title home.

But Sharma was quick to express his delight at his team's latest performance, which saw them earn their sixth consecutive ODI victory over New Zealand in the process.

"It was very important for us to finish on a high against a very good team. New Zealand are a very good side, but we played perfect cricket today," Sharma said.

"In such a short tournament you have to try and win every game that's in front of you. Australia have a rich history, but it's about us.

"It will be a good game. Australia has a rich history of playing well in ICC tournaments, but it is about us and what we want to do on that particular day.

"It will be a great contest. I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully we can stitch one towards us."

3/3 #TeamIndia will face Australia in the first Semi FinalScoreboard https://t.co/Ba4AY30p5i #NZvIND | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/QxG9ZWeVMN
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 2, 2025

Sharma also explained he has a difficult decision to make ahead of facing Australia following Chakaravarthy's showing against New Zealand.

He replaced Harshit Rana for the game, and it remains unclear whether India will stick or twist with Chakaravarthy and go with just one pacer in Mohammed Shami.

"He has got something different about him, so we wanted to try and see what he had to offer," Sharma said.

"We got to think a little about what to do for the next game. It's a good headache. If he gets it right, it's very difficult to read him."