India are inching closer to their third ICC Champions Trophy title, with skipper Rohit Sharma leading from the front in their chase against New Zealand. The much-anticipated final is underway at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where India is chasing a tricky target of 252. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Their innings saw a mix of resilience and aggression, with Daryl Mitchell anchoring the innings and Michael Bracewell providing late fireworks. The Kiwis managed to post 251 runs in their allotted 50 overs, a total that seemed competitive on a slow Dubai pitch. The sluggish nature of the wicket during New Zealand’s innings indicated that batting wouldn’t be easy under lights. India needed a strong start to counter any early movement and set the tone for the chase.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were tasked with laying the foundation, and the Indian captain wasted no time in making his intentions clear. On just the second delivery of the innings, Rohit announced himself in style. Facing Kyle Jamieson, who bowled a short delivery on middle and leg, Sharma picked up the length early and effortlessly pulled it over the square leg fence for a six.
WATCH – Virat Kohli’s Sensational Throw Sends Mitchell Santner Packing
The crowd erupted as the Indian skipper stamped his authority with his trademark shot, signalling an aggressive approach from the Men in Blue. Rohit’s attacking start has given India the momentum they needed. Fans will hope he converts this into a big score and steers India to victory. A captain’s knock could be the defining factor in this high-stakes final.
A RO-aring start to the run-chase! 💥
Typical #RohitSharma, as he smashes Jamieson into the stands on the 2nd ball! 😎#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!
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India’s bowlers had earlier done an exceptional job of restricting New Zealand. Spinners Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja maintained tight lines, conceding less than four runs per over. Their disciplined spells, coupled with crucial breakthroughs—including those of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips—ensured that the Black Caps never fully gained control.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma’s Costly Drop: Daryl Mitchell Gets A Lifeline
One of the key moments of the match came when Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Tom Latham LBW. The left-handed batter attempted a sweep but misjudged the full delivery, which sneaked under his bat and crashed into his pads. The review confirmed three reds, and as Latham trudged off, Virat Kohli stole the spotlight with his animated celebration—dancing and waving a playful ‘ta-ta’ to the departing batter.
New Zealand had started aggressively, with Rachin Ravindra attacking Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya. However, India struck back as Varun Chakravarthy removed Will Young, and Kuldeep Yadav outfoxed Ravindra with a sharp googly, leaving the chase finely poised.
