Dubai, UAE: Dubai witnessed a dazzling display of batting brilliance as India stormed past the 100-run mark in their chase, leaving New Zealand struggling for answers. The packed stadium roared in approval as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill batted with supreme confidence, treating the spinners with disdain and dispatching anything loose to the boundary.

At 17 overs, India stood tall at 100-0, with Sharma leading the charge. His exquisite stroke play, coupled with Gill’s steady presence, ensured India was in cruise control. Earlier, Sharma reached a quickfire fifty off just 41 balls, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s elite chasers.

New Zealand, sensing the urgency, turned to spin, bringing in Santner and Ravindra in a desperate bid to break the partnership. But the Indian openers remained unshaken. Gill came down the wicket and lofted Ravindra for a stunning six, while Sharma capitalized on anything short, punishing Santner over deep mid-wicket for four.

The Kiwis had a rare chance when Mitchell dived to his right for a one-handed screamer but couldn’t hold onto Gill’s catch—a let-off that may prove costly. With every passing over, the Indian win predictor kept rising, touching 80% as they hunted down the 252-run target with ease.

Earlier in the innings, New Zealand had hoped for a turnaround after a crucial knock from Bracewell helped them post a respectable total. Former England skipper Nasser Hussain remarked, “If not for Bracewell, 220-230 would’ve been their limit. Now, they have a chance—but India look dominant.”

As the sun set over Dubai, the floodlights took over, illuminating India’s masterclass. New Zealand needed a breakthrough—and fast—before this turned into a one-sided affair. The question remained: Could they find a way to stop the Indian juggernaut?