India’s dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya once again showcased his brute power, smashing a monstrous six off Michael Bracewell during the Champions Trophy 2025 clash against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The powerful strike, which soared 96 meters into the stands, left the crowd electrified and injected momentum into India’s innings at a crucial juncture.
Pandya, who walked in with India struggling after early setbacks, played a vital role in stabilizing the innings alongside Ravindra Jadeja. His quickfire 22 off 27 balls provided much-needed impetus, ensuring India didn’t lose their way entirely. The defining moment came in the 41st over when Bracewell bowled a full-length delivery outside off.
WATCH – Hardik Pandya Launches A Towering Six Off Michael Bracewell
Without hesitation, Pandya got low and unleashed his trademark power, sending the ball deep into the mid-wicket stands. The sheer timing and force behind the shot exemplified Pandya’s ability to turn the tide in India’s favor with his explosive stroke play. His contribution, coupled with Shreyas Iyer’s composed 79 off 98 balls and Axar Patel’s gritty 42 off 61, helped India recover from a precarious 182/6.
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙃𝘼𝙍𝘿𝙄𝙆 𝙒𝘼𝙔! 🥶
Kung-Fu Pandya wastes no time, blasting a towering six off Bracewell! 🤯#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!
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— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 2, 2025
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, kept the pressure on throughout, but Pandya’s counterattacking approach ensured India reached a respectable total of 249/9. His late flourish gave India hope, setting up an intriguing chase for the Black Caps in this high-stakes encounter.
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India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke
