New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips came up with a moment of brilliance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India on Sunday, taking an incredible catch to send back Shubman Gill. The catch is already being regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the tournament.
Pursuing 252 for a win, India started well with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill setting a strong platform. But the game changed when New Zealand pounced with three successive wickets. The most surprising moment was when Mitchell Santner got Gill out, courtesy Glenn Phillips’ remarkable fielding display.
Rohit Sharma Paces the Way with a Scorching Half-Century
Even after losing wickets, India was on track, courtesy skipper Rohit Sharma’s blazing innings. Indian captain gave the indication of his intentions right from the beginning by hitting the second ball of the innings to the stands. He kept playing his aggressive game and scored his first half-century of the tournament off just 41 balls.
At the 30-over mark, India were 136/3, with Shreyas Iyer (19*) and Axar Patel (4*) at the crease, needing 116 runs in the last 20 overs.
Rohit struck a dominating knock of 76 off 83 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. Shubman Gill, who was given a lifeline when Daryl Mitchell dropped Kyle Jamieson’s catch in the seventh over, played 31 off 50 balls before Glenn Phillips’ brilliance showed him the way out.
New Zealand Bowlers Frustrated By Strong India Start
India’s aggressive begin witnessed Rohit dealing with the New Zealand bowlers in authority. He launched an attack at Nathan Smith, who came on for Matt Henry, and posted 14 runs off an over including two fours and a six. William O’Rourke too had to contend with Rohit’s onslaught before New Zealand steadied with timely breakthroughs.
India’s Spinners Hold New Zealand to 251/7
Earlier in the day, India’s bowlers put on a clinical show, limiting New Zealand to 251/7. Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) were the pick of the bowlers, keeping the Black Caps’ run rate in check.
Daryl Mitchell scored the most runs for New Zealand with 63 off 101 balls, while Michael Bracewell (53*), Rachin Ravindra (37), and Glenn Phillips (34) added useful runs.
While the match is building towards a nail-biting finish, India is still in command but will require a stable performance to win the Champions Trophy.