Shreyas Iyer played a crucial innings of 79 under pressure, helping India reach 249 for nine against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy Group A match. Iyer shared a key 98-run partnership with Axar Patel (42) after a top-order collapse left India struggling at 30 for 3. Pacer Mark Henry was New Zealand’s standout bowler, taking 5 for 42, and their strong fielding contributed to India’s challenges. Hardik Pandya’s late 45 runs bolstered India’s total. Iyer’s innings showcased his ability to adapt and build the innings, despite the absence of a consistent top order.
Shreyas Iyer showcased his composure with a solid fifty in a high-pressure situation, but New Zealand, spearheaded by pacer Mark Henry, restricted India to a below-par total of 249 for nine in their Champions Trophy Group A encounter on Sunday. Iyer scored 79 off 98 balls, forming a crucial 98-run partnership with Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) for the fourth wicket, while Hardik Pandya’s quick-fire innings of 45 off 45 helped India recover from a shaky start. Henry emerged as the standout bowler for New Zealand with figures of 5/42, complemented by their excellent fielding efforts. Unlike his previous matches, where the top three batsmen provided a cushion of runs, Iyer had to build the innings from scratch this time.
Despite this challenge, he executed his role flawlessly, reaching his fifty off 75 balls with a single from Rachin Ravindra. His natural flair shone through as he lofted pacer Will O’Rourke for a six over long on, with Axar offering steadfast support on a sluggish pitch.
Unfortunately, Axar fell against the run of play when he attempted a scoop shot over short fine leg, only to see it caught by Kane Williamson.
Jadeja teasing Kohli about Glenn Phillips’s exceptional catch against him.pic.twitter.com/8ujJTpsqc1
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Iyer was on the verge of a century, but a poorly executed pull shot off O’Rourke was easily caught by Young at cover. KL Rahul, batting in an unusual No. 6 position, looked promising, scoring 23 off 29 balls, including a spectacular six over long-on against Ravindra.
However, he fell victim to a superb catch by Tom Latham, who grabbed an edge off left-arm spinner and captain Mitchell Santner, who once again delivered a commendable performance with a series of deliveries slightly above 70 km/h.
These dismissals were detrimental to India’s chances, but Hardik’s power hitting ensured they crossed the 250-mark.
Prior to Iyer’s stabilizing innings and Hardik’s explosive finish, India found themselves struggling at 30 for 3, with skipper Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli all dismissed cheaply.
Rohit began aggressively, hitting pacer Mark Henry for both a four and a six but ultimately fell to a pull shot, skying the ball to Will Young off pacer Kyle Jamieson.
Henry soon enjoyed further success, trapping Gill plumb in front, while the vice-captain also wasted a review before heading back to the dressing room.
Henry would be grateful to Glenn Phillips, who pulled off a remarkable catch to dismiss Kohli on a sharp square cut.
Nonetheless, Shreyas and Axar provided some relief with their resilient partnership.
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