Watch: Shreyas Iyer spotted using Rohit Sharma's bat in IND vs NZ clash to demolish Kiwis
Published - 02 Mar 2025, 05:16 PM | Updated - 02 Mar 2025, 05:17 PM
Team India middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer rescued the national team with a brilliant half-century during the match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Shreyas Iyer was seen using Team India skipper Rohit Sharma's bat during the final group-stage match of the ongoing tournament.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bowl first after winning the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 2. Pacer Matt Henry dismissed Shubman Gill in the third over. Rohit Sharma (15) and Virat Kohli (11) were also dismissed cheaply, leaving India at 30/3 after 6.4 overs.
Watch: Shreyas Iyer Spotted Using Rohit Sharma's Bat in IND vs NZ Clash
After the top-order collapse, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel played a key role in stabilizing the innings with a crucial partnership for the fourth wicket. They added 98 runs off 136 balls before Rachin Ravindra picked up the wicket of Axar Patel, who scored 42 runs off 61 balls with three boundaries and one six.
Shreyas reached his half-century a couple of overs before Axar's dismissal. The right-handed batter raised his bat after reaching the milestone off 75 balls. Fans observed that Shreyas was playing with Rohit Sharma's bat. The word "Hitman," which is the nickname of Rohit, was written on the top of the sticker.
Shreyas Iyer playing with Rohit Sharma's Bat. #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/ecvVwbx1iW
— Tyson (@tyson18__) March 2, 2025
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) March 2, 2025
It’s worth mentioning that Shreyas Iyer also used Rohit Sharma's bat during the recent match against Pakistan in the marquee tournament. The batter scored a crucial 56 runs off 67 balls, including five fours and one six against the archrivals.
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Varun Chakravarthy Replaces Harshit Rana in India's Playing XI
Both teams made one change each to the XI. India picked spinner Varun Chakravarthy in place of seamer Harshit Rana. On the other hand, New Zealand brought in Daryl Mitchell, with Devon Conway missing out. The pitch will get slower as the game progresses, which might help India in the second innings.
At the time of writing, India had reached 173/5 in 37 overs, with Hardik Pandya (0 off 4) and KL Rahul (17 off 21) at the crease. Shreyas Iyer was dismissed after scoring 79 runs off 98 balls, including four fours and two sixes. William O’Rourke claimed Iyer's wicket, providing a crucial breakthrough for his team.
India and New Zealand Have Already Qualified for the Semi-Finals
India and New Zealand have already qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. India won their matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan, while New Zealand triumphed over Pakistan by 60 runs and Bangladesh by five wickets. The two teams are now set to compete for the top spot in Group A.
The winner of this game will secure the top position in the Group A points table. They will take on Australia in the semi-finals, while the loser will face South Africa. Team India's semi-final will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, regardless of their position in the Group A points table.
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