New Zealand spinners celebrate the fall of an Indian wicket. (X Photo)

NEW DELHI: New Zealand spinners pulled themselves back in the hunt in the ICC Champions Trophy final, removing Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for 17 runs to halt India’s strong start at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing 252 for a record third title, India had been cruising thanks to a 105-run opening partnership between captain Rohit Sharma (76 off 83) and Gill (31 off 50). This was only the third century opening stand in a Champions Trophy final, putting India firmly in the driver’s seat.
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Century opening stands in Champions Trophy finals

However, New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner provided the breakthrough in the 19th over, dismissing Gill with the help of a breathtaking catch by Glenn Phillips at cover. Phillips pulled off an acrobatic one-handed stunner, leaping high to pluck the ball out of the air just as it seemed destined for the boundary.
The very next over saw Michael Bracewell strike a decisive blow, trapping Virat Kohli LBW for two-ball 1. Kohli reviewed the decision, but the ball-tracking confirmed it was plumb in front, stunning the Dubai crowd into silence.
After squeezing the run flow, Rachin Ravindra then ended India skipper’s innings in the 27th over as Rohit was out stumped while trying to break the shackles. From 105/0 in 18.3 overs, India were reduced to 122/3 in 26.1 overs, giving New Zealand a chance to make a comeback in the contest.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 251/7, thanks to crucial half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101) and Bracewell (53 off 40). India’s spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40), controlled the middle overs, but Bracewell’s late surge ensured the Kiwis set a competitive target.
With three quick wickets, New Zealand have clawed back into the contest. India though have a good batting depth, so the Kiwis will need more wickets soon to go on top.