IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Axar Patel dents New Zealand’s chase by removing Kane Williamson in the Champions Trophy 2025

In a moment that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor, Axar Patel delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing New Zealand former captain Kane Williamson, effectively breaking the backbone of their chase. The dismissal came on the last ball of Axar’s spell, and it was a moment of sheer anticipation and execution.

Axar Patel breaks New Zealand’s backbone with the key wicket of Kane Williamson

Williamson, who had been anchoring the innings with a patient 81 off 120 balls, was looking to accelerate when he decided to charge down the track to a tossed-up delivery from Axar. However, the left-arm spinner was one step ahead, smartly landing the ball on a length and delivering an arm ball that skidded past Williamson’s bat.

As the New Zealand skipper missed the shot completely, KL Rahul collected the ball cleanly behind the stumps. Unlike some previous missed chances, this time, Rahul took his time before whipping off the bails, ensuring Williamson had no way of recovering his ground. The New Zealand captain, without even glancing back, accepted his fate and walked back to the dugout, knowing that his departure had left his team in deep trouble. With his 81-run knock laced with seven boundaries, Williamson had fought hard to keep New Zealand in the contest, but his dismissal at a critical juncture left the Kiwis reeling at 169/7.

Axar Patel, who had been economical throughout his spell, finished with impressive figures of 1/32 in 10 overs and his lone wicket was worth its weight in gold. Williamson’s wicket was not just another breakthrough; it completely derailed New Zealand’s chase, exposing their lower order to India’s high-quality bowling attack. As Axar celebrated with his teammates, it was evident that this dismissal had pushed India one step closer to victory, leaving New Zealand with an uphill task to recover from the blow.

Here’s the video:

Kane Williamson is beaten all ends up in flight by Axar Patel for a simple stumping for KL Rahul. The Kiwis in deep trouble. #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/hc9xPn9wL8

— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) March 2, 2025

Also WATCH: Kane Williamson’s stunning one-handed catch stuns India in the Champions Trophy 2025

India tightens grip as New Zealand struggles in Champions Trophy clash

The India and New Zealand Group A match at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has seen India take firm control as New Zealand struggles in their chase of 250 at the Dubai International Stadium. After being sent in to bat first, India posted 249/9 in 50 overs, with Shreyas Iyer leading the charge with a well-compiled 79 off 98 balls, supported by Axar’s gritty 42 and Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 45. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, picking up five wickets for 42 runs, while Mitchell Santner and Kyle Jamieson provided crucial support with one wicket each.

Chasing 250, New Zealand found themselves in trouble early as Chakravarthy dismissed both Will Young and Glenn Phillips, while Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Captain Williamson tried to anchor the innings with a fighting 81 off 120 balls, but his dismissal to Axar Patel in the 41st over left New Zealand struggling at 169/7. With only Santner and the tailenders remaining, the required run rate has climbed steeply to 9.42 per over, making India heavy favorites to seal the match. With just 42 balls remaining and 66 runs still needed, New Zealand’s hopes are hanging by a thread.

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