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Xtra Time Web Desk: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, in sublime form throughout the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, failed to make India pay for multiple missed chances in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (March 9). Despite two reprieves, he could only manage 37 off 29 balls before Kuldeep Yadav cleaned him up in the 11th over.

India’s fielding woes continued as Mohammed Shami and Shreyas Iyer dropped catches early in Ravindra’s innings. In the seventh over, Shami spilled a caught-and-bowled chance, giving Ravindra a lifeline at 28. Just an over later, Iyer missed another opportunity at deep mid-wicket off Varun Chakravarthy when the Kiwi batter was on 29.

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Shami dropped catch of rachin ravindra #INDvsNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025pic.twitter.com/RqWPkLXtLe

— JAIU (@Jaideepptdr) March 9, 2025

CASTLED! | \ | #KuldeepYadav makes the impact straightaway, as #RachinRavindra is cleaned up courtesy a sharp googly! ????????#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL ???? #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!

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— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025 

Ravindra, one of the tournament's top scorers, had already put India under pressure, smashing 16 runs in the fourth over and following it up with two boundaries off Shami. His attacking intent forced Rohit Sharma to introduce Chakravarthy in the powerplay. Despite India’s fielding lapses, Kuldeep struck with his first ball, ending Ravindra’s innings and preventing potential damage.

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Ravindra had been instrumental in New Zealand’s campaign, amassing 226 runs in three matches. His standout knocks included a match-winning 112 against Bangladesh and a crucial 108 in the semi-final against South Africa.
Ravindra’s dismissal gave India a good kick, India’s sharp bowling attack aims to capitalize on the early breakthroughs and seize control of the final.