New Zealand’s Kane Williamson once again proved why he is among the safest hands in world cricket with a breathtaking one-handed catch to dismiss India’s Axar Patel in their final league match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The dismissal came when left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra bowled a short-of-a-length delivery angled into the middle and leg. Axar, looking to guide it over short fine leg, ended up getting a top edge due to the extra bounce.
Initially, it seemed like the ball would sail over Williamson, but the veteran cricketer tracked it perfectly, moving backward from short fine leg before stretching out his right hand to complete an incredible catch just above his shoulder.
Another brilliant catch by Kane Williamson brings the quickfire 42(61) by Axar Patel to an end. #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/BWzDodcte0
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) March 2, 2025
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) March 2, 2025
India had a rough start after losing Rohit Sharma (15), Virat Kohli (11), and Shubman Gill (2) inside the first seven overs. However, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Iyer, showing great composure, notched up his half-century and looked determined to convert it into a big score.
WATCH – Gaddafi Stadium Turns Into A Waterfall: Shocking Leak Exposes PCB’s Renovation Failure
At the time of writing, India were 170/4 after 36 overs, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul at the crease. Matt Henry has been New Zealand’s standout bowler, claiming two key wickets. Both India and New Zealand have already secured their semifinal spots, making this match a battle for the top spot in Group A. Meanwhile, Australia and South Africa have progressed from Group B, with the semifinals scheduled for March 4 and 5.
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
WATCH – Glenn Phillips Shocks Virat Kohli With His Flying Catch
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
