Dubai, March 2 -- A fine half-century by Shreyas Iyer and a fiery cameo by Hardik Pandya towards the end powered India to a solid total of 249/9 on a tough Dubai wicket during their ICC Champions Trophy final group stage match on Sunday.

After India collapsed to 30/3, the middle order held the innings together for India. India needs to defend 250 runs to end the group stage with three wins in three matches.

After NZ won the toss and elected to bowl first, India was dealt an early setback, as Shubman Gill was trapped leg before wicket by Matt Henry for just two in seven balls. India was 15/1 in 2.5 overs.

Virat Kohli came on the field for his 300th ODI. However, skipper Rohit Sharma could not partner him for too long as a pull shot on K...