India vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025: Axar Patel’s stunning catch sends back Rachin Ravindra

India set a target of 250 for New Zealand after a gritty fightback led by Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel. The Men in Blue found themselves in early trouble at 30/3, losing Rohit Sharma (15), Shubman Gill (2), and Virat Kohli (11) within the first seven overs. However, Shreyas Iyer’s 79 off 98 deliveries and Axar Patel’s crucial 42 helped India recover to post a competitive total.

New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul, kept India in check, while their fielders impressed with Kane Williamson’s sharp catch to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja and Glenn Phillips’ brilliant take to remove Virat Kohli.

New Zealand’s Chase Begins

As New Zealand began their chase, Axar Patel provided India with an early breakthrough, pulling off a spectacular catch to dismiss Rachin Ravindra. With the Black Caps needing 250 for victory, the match is set up for a thrilling finish.

Toss & Team Changes

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bowl first. India made one change, bringing in Varun Chakaravarthy for Harshit Rana, while New Zealand replaced Devon Conway with Daryl Mitchell.

Head-to-Head & Recent Form

New Zealand holds an edge over India in global tournaments, having won 10 out of 15 encounters. They entered the Champions Trophy in fine form, winning both their matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh after clinching a Tri-Series victory over Pakistan and South Africa. The Kiwis also stunned India last year with a 3-0 Test series whitewash on Indian soil.

However, India will take confidence from their last ICC 50-over tournament meeting, when Rohit Sharma’s side knocked out New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinals.

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.