Dropped catches can’t halt India’s Champions Trophy triumph as Black Caps falter in the final

India has clinched another global cricket title, securing a four-wicket triumph over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final.

Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India chased down the target with a score of 6-254 in 49 overs, thanks to Sharma’s impressive 76 runs off 83 balls and an unbroken 34 from Lokesh Rahul, marking their third Champions Trophy victory.

Earlier, New Zealand, winning the toss and opting to bat first, managed to score 7-251 in their 50 overs, aided by half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell on a sluggish, unpredictable Dubai pitch.

Sharma ignited India’s innings, striking seven fours and three sixes to give his team a strong start. Hardik Pandya contributed 18 runs from 18 balls, forming a vital partnership of 38 runs off 36 balls for the sixth wicket alongside Rahul.

Sharma was deservedly named the player of the match.

Reflecting on the tournament, Sharma remarked, “We played exceptional cricket all the way through. I aimed to bat in a different, more aggressive manner, and the depth of our batting allowed me that freedom.”

This victory marks India’s 23rd win in 24 matches across the last three ICC events since 2023; their sole defeat was against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

They also triumphed in last year’s Twenty20 World Cup against South Africa.

Many outside India may view this victory as controversial.

All of India’s matches took place in Dubai, as the Indian government denied permission for their team to travel to official host Pakistan, citing security concerns.

During the final, India managed to avert a potentially disastrous situation as Rachin Ravindra was dropped twice, with one incident resulting in Mohammed Shami needing to leave the field for treatment.

When New Zealand chose to bat after winning the toss, Ravindra started strongly but was lucky to survive early on, eventually scoring 37 runs.

At 28 off 20 balls, he was dropped off a delivery from Shami at 0-46, with Shami only managing to get a fingertip to the ball before signalling for medical assistance.

This incident continued a troubling pattern after Shami had dropped two catches in a previous match against Australia in the semi-final.

“At least he got two hands to it before calling for the physio straight away,” said Nasser Hussain on Amazon Prime.

“He had a couple of chances against Australia in the semi-final—one to his left and another to his right—but this time he got both hands to it. He’s already had some taping on his hand. That makes it three catches dropped by Mohammed Shami in this tournament,” commented Ian Smith.

The delivery that threatened to put India in a precarious position resulted in Ravindra being given out caught behind off Varun Chakaravarthy’s bowling, but a review overturned the decision, and he was given not out. However, trouble continued for India when the very next ball was lifted into the air towards deep mid-wicket.

Shreyas Iyer sprinted towards the boundary and leaped for the catch but couldn’t grasp it cleanly. Dinesh Karthik remarked, “This is a significant moment; they were eager for this wicket.”

“Iyer is usually one of the safer hands on the team; he’ll be incredibly disappointed. That’s a catch you need to secure in crucial matches like this,” he added.

Aaron Finch expressed, “It was frustration all around for India.”

Shami, who missed that over to receive treatment, returned to bowl the next one. Eventually, he was replaced by Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled out Ravindra with his first delivery, sparking visible relief from both Shami and Iyer.

The wicket of Ravindra reduced New Zealand to 2-69, and just two overs later, Kane Williamson fell for 11.

– with AP