Watch- Hardik Pandya hits a six straight at Jay Shah, ICC Chairman does this in Champions Trophy semi-final

ICC chairman Jay Shah was among the few known names in attendance for the Champions Trophy semi-final clash between India and Australia. During the final stages of the game, Jay Shah threw the ball back into the playing area after Hardik Pandya's gigantic six came towards him.

During the 45th over of India's innings, Hardik Pandya slammed a straight six off a flighted delivery from the legspinner Tanveer Sangha way over the sightscreen. The ball landed straight into the area where the BCCI's top officials and ICC chairman Jay Shah were seated.

Shah retrieved the ball back as he threw it back into the playing area. The BCCI officials clearly enjoyed the moment alongside Jay Shah and exulted in joy. It was a massive hit from the Indian allrounder as his full range of power was on display here.

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Watch: Jay Shah throws back the ball after Hardik Pandya's gigantic six

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Jay Shah also attended the big game between India and Pakistan held on February 23 in Dubai where he was accompanied by his family. The former BCCI secretary held the post for the role of ICC chairman later last year.

Hardik Pandya's scintillating knock

It turned out to be a mammoth 106m six from Hardik Pandya as he broke the shackles. The first four balls of the over were dots but the big-hitting allrounder was ready to smash big in the fifth ball.

The ball landed right in his slot and he made full use of it. It also released all the pressure that Sangha had created in his first four deliveries. After hitting the six, Hardik collected a couple of runs in the last ball to end a good over for India.

Experienced legspinner Adam Zampa replaced Tanveer Sangha afterwards but Hardik was already in the flow now. He smashed two consecutive sixes off Zampa to ease down the equation for India. Those were two really big hits and one of them was a 101m six.

Hardik Pandya was finally dismissed in the next over by the fast bowler Nathan Ellis. Pandya looked to finish off the game but instead holed out to Glenn Maxwell at long-on. He smashed a crucial 28 off 24 balls with 3 sixes and 1 four.

His knock came at a crucial stage when India had just lost the big wicket of Virat Kohli. However, Hardik provided the final touches with his big-hitting. KL Rahul smashed a six off the first ball of the next over to seal the game for India.

Second semi-final to decide India's opponents

With this win, India booked a place in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. The final will be played in Dubai as India has qualified for it now. India will be looking to end a 12-year drought for a Champions Trophy title by winning the big game.

Semi-final 2 of the tournament will be played between South Africa and New Zealand at Lahore on March 5. The winner of this game will face India in the summit clash.