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Shreyas Iyer produced an excellent show with the bat to score 79 off 98 on a challenging pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Shreyas Iyer top-scored for India against New Zealand. (Screengrab/JioHotstar)
Shreyas Iyer showed his class during India’s comfortable win over a tricky New Zealand in their final Group A match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday. Iyer scored a fine half-century to help set up a match-winning total that helped India seal a top spot in their group and set a semifinal date with Australia.
Iyer’s innings was studded with four fours and two sixes that helped him to 79 off 98 on a sluggish Dubai pitch. He walked into bat when India had lost both their opening batters – Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma – cheaply and then he saw Virat Kohli being dismissed on 11.
Kohli’s exit left India struggling at 30/3 in 6.4 overs, but Iyer revived the innings in company of allrounder Axar Patel. Together, the pair stitched a 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket that was broken when Axar fell on 42.
Iyer’s ‘Hitman’ Willow
Eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot Iyer’s bat sticker sporting ‘Hitman’ inscription when the middle-order batter was acknowledging the applause from Indian dressing room and the fans at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium after he reached his half-century.
It’s a special edition – CEAT Hitman English Willow Plyer Edition – bat that can be purchased at a cost of Rs 91,100.
India Vs Australia In CT Semifinal
Iyer’s innings helped India to 249/9 in 50 overs. For New Zealand, fast bowler Matt Henry picked up a five-wicket haul.
New Zealand were jolted early in their chase when Hardik Pandya removed Rachin Ravindra for six in the fourth over. The Kiwis recovered through a fine partnership between their talisman Kane Williamson and opener Will Young.
However, Varun Chakaravarthy, playing in his first match of the ongoing tournament, then took over and broke the stand when he bowled Young on 22. Chakaravarthy went on to take a five-for as New Zealand were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs. Williamson top-scored with 81 off 120.
India will now face Australia in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy in Tuesday at the same venue.
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
