New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips produced an absolute stunner to dismiss Shubman Gill in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, leaving fans and players alike in awe. The breathtaking moment came in the 19th over, as Phillips executed a flying left-handed catch at short cover, proving once again why he is one of the most agile fielders in world cricket.
The dismissal unfolded on the fourth delivery of Mitchell Santner’s over when he tempted Gill with a tossed-up delivery outside off. The Indian opener committed to an elegant drive, but the ball carried more elevation than he intended. Phillips, stationed at short cover, instinctively leapt backwards at an almost impossible angle, plucking the ball out of the air with his left hand. His incredible reflexes and athleticism turned what seemed like a certain boundary into a jaw-dropping moment, shifting the momentum in New Zealand’s favour.
What a magnificent catch by GLENN PHILLIPS 🤯👏👏👏#INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/1CxjG3QYiw
— INNOCENT EVIL ⁶𓅓 (@raju_innocentev) March 9, 2025
DECLARE GLENN PHILLIPS ILLEGAL, INSANE, ALEIN…!!!!! 🤯#ICCChampionsTrophyfinal #ViratKohli𓃵 #ShubmanGill #iccchampionstrophy2025 #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/jzWzAs7kL7
— Omsa jat🇮🇳 (@omaramkhoth) March 9, 2025
Despite this setback, India remains firmly in control of their chase for a third ICC Champions Trophy title. Skipper Rohit Sharma has taken the lead in pursuit of 252, with the final unfolding at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. New Zealand, opting to bat first under Mitchell Santner’s captaincy, posted a competitive total thanks to a gritty knock from Daryl Mitchell and a late flourish from Michael Bracewell.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma Sets the Tone With A Stunning Six in India’s Champions Trophy Final Chase
Recognizing the sluggish nature of the pitch, India needed a dominant start, and Rohit Sharma set the tone immediately. Off just the second ball of the innings, he launched Kyle Jamieson’s short delivery over the square leg boundary for a six, signaling his aggressive intent. His early onslaught has kept India ahead in the chase.
India’s bowlers had earlier laid a solid foundation, with Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja operating with exceptional discipline, conceding less than four runs per over. Their tight spells stifled New Zealand’s progress, while crucial strikes—including those of Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell—prevented the Kiwis from capitalizing in the middle overs.
WATCH – Virat Kohli’s Sensational Throw Sends Mitchell Santner Packing
One of the defining moments of the first innings came when Ravindra Jadeja trapped Tom Latham LBW. The Kiwi batter, attempting a sweep, misread a full-length delivery that snuck under his bat and crashed into his pad. The review confirmed three reds, forcing him to depart. As he walked back, Virat Kohli, ever the entertainer, celebrated with a cheeky wave and a playful ‘ta-ta,’ further lifting India’s energy on the field.
With key wickets already down, India remains on course, but New Zealand’s bowling attack still holds the potential to turn the game on its head.
