Axar Patel’s Stunning Catch Dismisses Rachin Ravindra in Champions Trophy 2025
Wow! What a moment in the Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and New Zealand! Axar Patel pulled off an absolute stunner, taking a running catch that gave India their first breakthrough by dismissing Rachin Ravindra. It was one of those jaw-dropping moments that remind us just how crucial fielding is in modern-day cricket.
Let’s set the scene. New Zealand was chasing India’s total of 249, and they had made a cautious start. Hardik Pandya, bowling the fourth over, had just conceded a no-ball and a boundary. It looked like New Zealand was starting to build momentum. But then, Pandya bowled a clever slow bouncer outside off-stump, tempting Ravindra to go for an aggressive uppercut. The left-hander went for it but completely mistimed the shot. The ball went up in the air, and for a moment, it seemed like it might land safely. But Axar Patel had other plans.
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Positioned at deep third, Axar initially seemed to react a bit late, but he turned on the jets, sprinted forward, and, in a breathtaking dive, caught the ball with both hands just inches above the ground. Not only did he grab it cleanly, but he also managed to hold on despite crashing onto his elbows. Absolute brilliance!
This catch was not just about athleticism but also about match awareness. India needed an early breakthrough, and Axar provided it in style. The wicket brought some much-needed energy back into the Indian camp, especially since New Zealand had outperformed them in fielding during the first innings. Their sharp efforts had restricted India to 249/9, and the Men in Blue knew they had to respond with something special.
Axar’s catch immediately drew comparisons to his sensational grab to dismiss Mitchell Marsh in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He has built a reputation for being one of the safest and most dynamic fielders in the Indian squad, and this was just another example of his brilliance.
By the end of the fourth over, New Zealand was 17/1, with Will Young and Kane Williamson at the crease. With the Dubai pitch offering some assistance to the spinners, India will be hoping Axar can make an impact with the ball as well. He has been in fine form lately, taking five wickets in his last three ODIs while maintaining an economical spell. If he continues this form, India might just be able to defend their total successfully.
This Champions Trophy clash is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, and Axar Patel’s catch is already one of the standout moments of the tournament. Fielding often goes unnoticed in cricket, but moments like these prove how game-changing it can be. What do you think? Could this be the best catch of the tournament so far?
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