Virat Kohli Playfully Touches Axar: India had an unbeaten run in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, topping Group A with a comprehensive victory over New Zealand in Dubai. The Indian spinners dominated the game, taking nine out of ten wickets as New Zealand were short by 45 runs chasing 250.
Varun Chakaravarthy grabbed the spotlight with his first five-wicket haul, but it was Axar Patel’s bowling of Kane Williamson that turned the game in India’s direction.
Virat Kohli Playfully Touches Axar : Axar Patel’s Magic Ball Ends Williamson’s Resistance
Kane Williamson seemed set to steady New Zealand’s pursuit, batting at 81 as their last hope for winning. Axar Patel bowled a flighted delivery to the middle stump on the last ball of the 41st over. Hoping for a quicker delivery, Williamson stepped out, hoping to rotate the strike, but the delivery spun past his bat, and KL Rahul quickly completed the stumping.
Without even looking back, Williamson walked off, knowing his dismissal had sealed New Zealand’s fate.
Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Tribute to Axar Patel
Just seconds after the match-winning wicket, Virat Kohli put in a comic touch by going up to Axar Patel and trying to touch his feet out of admiration. However Axar stepped back in surprise, tried to hold Kohli back, and burst into laughter as the players gathered to celebrate.
India to Face Australia in Semifinal
With three straight victories, India topped Group A and will now face Australia in the semifinal on Tuesday in Dubai. Additionally this highly expected encounter is an opportunity for India to take revenge on their 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat to Australia in Ahmedabad.
South Africa, Group B leaders, will face New Zealand in Pakistan on Wednesday in the other semifinal. The final will be held on Sunday.
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