NEW DELHI: In a final packed with pressure and high-stakes moments, Glenn Phillips produced what might go down as the catch of the tournament — a one-handed screamer that sent Shubman Gill packing and breathed life into New Zealand’s defence of 251 in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
It was the 19th over of the Indian innings.
Mitchell Santner floated one up on off, and Gill — well-set on 31 — leaned into a powerful drive through the covers.
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The ball seemed destined to pierce the infield and race to the fence.
But Phillips had other plans. In a breathtaking display of athleticism, he launched to his right, extended his arm mid-air, and plucked the ball one-handed.
The crowd gasped. Gill stood in disbelief. Phillips roared.
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New Zealand, till then, had looked somewhat subdued after posting a competitive yet slightly below-par 251/7, guided by patient fifties from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) and Michael Bracewell (53 off 40).
Earlier, India’s four-pronged spin unit, led by Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45), applied the chokehold through the middle overs.
From 75/3 in the 13th over, New Zealand failed to score a boundary for a whopping 81 deliveries, as Kuldeep’s deceptive wrist spin and Varun’s variations dried up scoring options.
Phillips, who also smashed a rare six during that dry spell, was eventually undone by Varun’s quick googly, ending a vital 57-run stand with Bracewell.
But his effort in the field may yet be remembered as the defining moment — a bolt of brilliance in a tense final.
