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Shreyas and Axar Steady the Ship | IND v NZ | Champions Trophy 2025
The 2025 Champions Trophy clash between India and New Zealand at The Oval was a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With the tournament’s high stakes and both teams showcasing their best talents, it was a game of skill, nerve, and intense competition. While the match had its share of spectacular performances, one of the standout stories was the remarkable partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, who steered India to safety after a tense middle-order collapse.
The Context: India’s Road to the Champions Trophy
India, led by the ever-impressive Rohit Sharma, entered the 2025 Champions Trophy as one of the favorites. They had been on a dominant run in ODI cricket, with a team full of experienced players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the challenge ahead was New Zealand, a side that had always proved to be resilient, especially in high-pressure tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
New Zealand, under Kane Williamson, had arrived at the tournament with a solid squad, boasting the likes of Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and the ever-dangerous Lockie Ferguson. The Black Caps’ ability to adapt to any situation made them a dangerous opponent for any team.
As the match began on a bright, slightly overcast day at The Oval, both teams knew that getting the better of the conditions would be key. The pitch was expected to assist the bowlers early on, and the first few overs would likely set the tone for the rest of the game.
New Zealand’s Strong Start
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, knowing the early morning conditions would offer some assistance to their seam bowlers. They made an early breakthrough as Lockie Ferguson bowled a searing spell, dismissing Shubman Gill for a duck with a stunning delivery that seamed away to take the edge. The early dismissal was a big boost for New Zealand, and they soon followed it up with another wicket as Matt Henry trapped the in-form Virat Kohli LBW.
India’s batting line-up, usually so dependable, found itself in a tricky position at 32 for 2 in the early stages. The pressure was mounting, and New Zealand, sensing an opportunity to break the game open, continued to bowl tightly. Rohit Sharma, the anchor of India’s top order, was struggling to get the ball away, and suddenly, the run rate was climbing.
Enter Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel.
The Shreyas-Axar Partnership
Shreyas Iyer, India’s reliable middle-order batter, and Axar Patel, a versatile all-rounder, came together at a crucial juncture in the innings. At 32 for 2, the game was delicately poised, and India needed stability more than anything. The duo played their roles to perfection.
Iyer, known for his ability to play both aggressive and anchor roles, took his time to settle in. His technique against the moving ball was tested early, but the Mumbai-born batter showed remarkable composure, leaving the deliveries outside off stump and playing with soft hands. He knew that patience would be the key against the disciplined New Zealand attack.
Axar Patel, on the other hand, had become a valuable asset for India, not just with the ball but with the bat. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to turn the game in a matter of moments, Patel played with a clear mind, rotating the strike and finding the occasional boundary. The left-hander’s ability to play with a straight bat and keep the scoreboard ticking was essential for India as they began to rebuild after the early setbacks.
The partnership was not just about survival; it was about steadying the ship and making sure India didn’t lose further wickets. Iyer and Patel dug in, finding gaps and playing the odd aggressive shot when necessary. Iyer’s first real flourish came when he punched a delivery from Ferguson through cover for four, signaling his intent. Axar, too, was not content to simply defend. He played a beautiful pull shot off Henry for another boundary, his confidence growing with every run.
The Turning Point
The key moment in the partnership came during the 21st over when Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel decided to take the attack to New Zealand’s spinners. With the score at 95 for 2, the pair began to rotate the strike more frequently and target the gaps. Iyer was especially effective against the spin of Mitchell Santner, playing a series of elegant drives and punches down the ground. Patel, not to be outdone, launched into a stunning slog sweep off Santner for six, announcing that he was ready to take on any bowler.
This period of aggression shifted the momentum in India’s favor. The boundaries flowed more freely, and the New Zealand bowlers began to lose their grip. Iyer, in particular, looked in sublime touch, his footwork against the spinners proving to be a class above. With Axar Patel playing his role of the stabilizer, the partnership began to flourish.
As the pair reached their 100-run partnership, the atmosphere in the stadium shifted. India, which had been under pressure for most of the innings, now found themselves in a position where they could push the total beyond 250.
The Final Phase: Consolidation and Building Toward a Competitive Total
By the time Iyer brought up his half-century, the Indian innings had been completely transformed. His calm composure and ability to place the ball in gaps had allowed India to gather runs steadily. Axar Patel, too, reached his own well-deserved fifty, showing that his batting was just as critical to India’s success as his bowling. The pair had taken India to 160 for 2 in the 35th over, a platform from which they could launch toward a big finish.
However, just when it seemed like India was in total control, a small hiccup arrived. Shreyas Iyer, who had looked solid throughout his innings, was dismissed for 67 by a brilliant delivery from Ferguson. The ball nipped back in off the seam, brushing his pads before hitting the stumps. Nevertheless, Iyer had done his job. His partnership with Axar had steadied the innings and given India the chance to finish strong.
Axar, however, continued to soldier on, remaining at the crease till the end. His 70* not out guided India to a competitive total of 267/6 in their allotted 50 overs, a score that, at one point, had seemed improbable. His calm and composed knock had ensured that India had something to bowl at, and it was a crucial contribution in a tense match.
New Zealand’s Response: The Chase
As India took to the field, the target of 267 was within reach but not easy. The New Zealand openers, Martin Guptill and Devon Conway, would need to play carefully, but the task was far from straightforward. The Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, would need to capitalize on the momentum generated by the middle-order recovery.
The match was set up perfectly for a thrilling chase, but the stage was undoubtedly set by Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, whose steady partnership had been the key to India’s competitive total. Their performances in that middle phase of the innings were testament to their resilience and composure under pressure.
Conclusion: A Game of Nerves and Determination
India’s victory in the Champions Trophy 2025 match against New Zealand was shaped by the invaluable partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel. In a game that featured an early collapse, the duo played with intelligence, patience, and aggression when needed. They helped India post a total that eventually proved to be enough to put pressure on New Zealand’s chase.
The resilience shown by Iyer and Patel under pressure is a crucial lesson for any team. In the high-octane world of international cricket, sometimes it’s not about dominating from the outset but about weathering the storm and building the innings from within. This partnership will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments in India’s road to the Champions Trophy 2025 final.
