Team India are back in the game and that too in impeccable fashion. Rohit Sharma and co. were not off to a great start in their ongoing match against New Zealand at the Dubai International stadium. However, they have now made a brilliant comeback in the second innings, thanks to a magical moment by Axar Patel.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. They were really quick to pick up three big wickets of Team India as Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed early in that exact order and India were 30/3.
Thanks to the heroics of Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya who played great knocks, Team India were able to put up a respectable total of 249. It was not a desirable total but at least they could defend it if they bowled well in the second innings.
And they have been off to a great start in the second innings. Hardik Pandya was quick to pick up the important wicket of Rachin Ravindra. However, that would definitely not have been possible, had it not been for the phenomenal catch by Axar Patel.
Hardik Pandya Claims Ravindra’s Wicket, Assisted by Axar Patel’s Screamer! 👏
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Rachin played it up and over on off side in an attempt to hit a lofted boundary but Axar Patel’s sensational one handed catch got the better of him. It was perhaps the best catch taken by an Indian player in the tournament so far.
India then proceeded to pick up two more wickets in the form of Will Young and Daryl Mitchell and they now have a real chance of winning this match. Kane Williamson, the kiwi veteran is standing as a lone ranger on the pitch in his attempt to secure a victory for his nation.
The winner of the match will face Australia in the semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy while the loser will face South Africa.
