Virat Kohli and Michael Bracewell. | (Credits: X)
Team India star Virat Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma was left stunned after the 36-year-old was dismissed only for 1 in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. A video of the same surfaced on social media as the Bollywood actress was spotted in the stands.
The dismissal occurred in the 20th over of the innings as spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell came on to bowl his first. With the former Indian captain trying to play a flick on the on-side, he missed the ball completely as he was trapped in front. Kohli did go for the DRS but the review was wasted as replay returned three reds. With the dismissal, Kohli also lost the opportunity to win the golden bat and will finish the tournament with 218 runs.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a flurry of boundaries against Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith, reaching a quick half-century. Mitchell Santner was the first to strike for New Zealand, dismissing Shubman Gill for 31, breaking a 105-run partnership.
“This is a gettable score” – Varun Chakravarthy after India restrict New Zealand to 251
Wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who took two vital wickets, explained his approach in the first innings, claiming that all he did was keeping it simple and wait for the batters to make mistakes. The 33-year-old told the host broadcaster:
“It was a good wicket compared to the last one. It was not turning much. I was just trying to stick it in the wicket and wait for the batter to make a mistake. I like bowling in the death and powerplay. It is challenging and gives me more opportunity to get a wicket. I like talking to Kuldeep. I am pretty new to the setup and looking to build more bonds. The foot is a little sore, need more painkillers. This is a gettable score.”
Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (58) scored half-centuries to propel the Black Caps to a competitive score. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers with figures of 10-0-40-2.
