Hardik Pandya produced a child-like celebration after Axar Patel dived full stretch to dismiss Rachin Ravindra in the final group encounter between India and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday in Dubai. Chasing 250 runs for victory, New Zealand had a cautious start with Will Young and Rachin Ravindra picking and choosing balls to play.
However, it was on the final ball of the fourth over that gave India the first breakthrough when Axar Patel dived forward to take a brilliant catch. Reacting to a short ball above his head from Hardik Pandya, the left-handed Rachin Ravindra got onto his toes to play the ramp shot.
Although the Kiwi got the shot perfect, he didn’t get the elevation as Axar Patel, who initially misjudged the catch before diving forward and completing a fine catch at deep third.
Reacting to the catch, Hardik Pandya started clapping like a child before being joined by Shubman Gill in celebration.
