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India vs New Zealand LIVE Score, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Injury Scare For Mohammed Shami; India Set 250-Run Target vs NZ
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and New Zealand was shaping up to be a nail-biting affair. With the stakes high and both teams brimming with talent, the game had its fair share of twists and turns. As India batted first, a series of unfortunate events saw them face an early collapse. However, a valiant knock from Hardik Pandya provided some hope, as India managed to set New Zealand a competitive target of 250.
But amidst all the drama, there was a moment of concern for Indian cricket fans as pacer Mohammed Shami suffered an injury scare during the match. This added an element of uncertainty to an already tense game, as India sought to defend a target that, while achievable, was by no means a walk in the park.
India’s Struggles with the Bat
The Indian team, known for its strong batting line-up, was put under immediate pressure when they lost their openers early. Rohit Sharma, the captain, and Shubman Gill both found themselves back in the pavilion with very little to show for their efforts. New Zealand’s seamers, led by Matt Henry and Trent Boult, exploited the conditions to perfection, making it difficult for the Indian top order to settle. The pitch, though not overly difficult, offered some movement early on, and the Kiwi bowlers capitalized on that.
Virat Kohli, one of the most consistent batsmen in the world, also fell cheaply. He was dismissed for a rare failure, adding to India’s growing concern as the scorecard read a troubling 41 for 3. With KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav also dismissed quickly, India found themselves in an extremely precarious position at 92 for 5. It seemed like the Men in Blue were staring down the barrel of an underwhelming total, but then came the rescue act from Hardik Pandya.
Pandya’s Heroic Knock: A Battle for Survival
Hardik Pandya has often been India’s go-to man in situations of crisis, and he lived up to his reputation in this match. With India struggling at 92 for 5, the all-rounder came to the crease with a calm yet aggressive mindset. At first, Pandya took his time to gauge the situation. He understood that his primary role was to stabilize the innings and get India to a respectable total.
With Ravindra Jadeja at the other end, Pandya played an intelligent knock, rotating the strike and picking off the occasional boundary. Despite the pressure of the situation, Pandya didn’t rush into playing reckless shots. He showed great maturity and composure as the score began to steadily move forward.
Pandya’s first real flourish came when he pulled a delivery from Trent Boult for a boundary, signaling that he was ready to take charge. The pair added 100+ runs for the sixth wicket, and suddenly, India’s chances of posting a competitive total started to look promising. Pandya unleashed some beautiful drives through the covers and took advantage of the gaps in the field, making it clear that he was up for the challenge.
By the time he reached his fifty, Pandya had taken full control of the Indian innings. His knock was the highlight of India’s batting effort as they moved from 92 for 5 to a total that had the potential to challenge New Zealand. His partnership with Jadeja proved invaluable, with both batsmen contributing to the recovery.
Injury Scare for Mohammed Shami
As India’s innings progressed, there was a moment of concern for the team. Mohammed Shami, who had been one of India’s standout bowlers in the tournament, was seen limping off the field during the second half of the innings. Shami had been warming up for his upcoming spell when he appeared to have tweaked his hamstring while attempting a fielding drill.
Immediately, there was concern in the Indian camp. Shami, who had been in great form throughout the tournament, was a vital part of India’s bowling attack, and his injury could severely impact India’s chances in defending the target. Medical staff rushed to Shami’s aid, and he was escorted off the field for further assessment.
As the Indian camp held its breath, it was still unclear whether Shami would return to the field to bowl or whether India would have to make a last-minute replacement. The injury scare added another layer of drama to the already intense game, and fans could only hope that Shami’s injury wasn’t serious enough to rule him out of the remainder of the match.
Pandya and Jadeja Continue the Fight
Despite the growing tension surrounding Shami’s injury, Pandya and Jadeja continued their heroic partnership. Pandya, now in full flow, was playing with the freedom that came with the responsibility of carrying the innings. He picked up boundaries at regular intervals, taking the fight to New Zealand. A massive six off Ferguson and a perfectly timed pull shot off Henry showed Pandya at his absolute best, a player at the peak of his powers when India needed him the most.
Jadeja, meanwhile, played the perfect foil. While Pandya was aggressive, Jadeja played a solid, anchoring role, rotating the strike and offering Pandya the opportunity to attack. The pair formed a vital partnership, and by the time Pandya was dismissed for 85 off 58 balls, India had already crossed 240 runs—a competitive total in any match.
Pandya’s knock proved to be the catalyst that turned India’s innings around. His well-constructed 85 runs, supported by Jadeja’s steady 44*, allowed India to set New Zealand a target of 250. It wasn’t a huge total by any stretch, but with Shami’s injury in mind, it was one that would require careful chase management by New Zealand.
India’s Total: A Competitive 249
With Hardik Pandya’s contribution, India managed to reach 249 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. This was a respectable total considering the early collapse, and it gave their bowlers a fighting chance. While the total wasn’t insurmountable, the pressure was on New Zealand’s top order to step up and ensure they didn’t falter under the chasing burden.
As the Indian bowlers prepared to take the field, the mood in the dressing room was tense. Shami’s injury was still an unknown factor, and India would need to rely on the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur to carry the attack. Even though Shami was missing from the action, the Indian bowlers were expected to fight tooth and nail to defend the 250-run target.
Conclusion: A Day of Uncertainty and Hope
As the Indian team left the field, there was a mix of emotions. Hardik Pandya’s heroic knock had given India a fighting chance, but the injury scare to Mohammed Shami cast a shadow over the team’s morale. Would Shami be fit to bowl? Could the Indian bowlers defend this relatively modest total? Only time would tell.
For New Zealand, the task ahead was clear—chase down 250 runs without making unnecessary mistakes. The Indian bowlers, even without Shami, would need to rise to the occasion and make sure they didn’t give the Black Caps an easy start.
This match, filled with drama and uncertainty, was shaping up to be an unforgettable contest, and fans around the world were eagerly awaiting the next phase of the game as the second innings began.
