Shreyas Iyer continued his exceptional run against New Zealand in ODIs, delivering a crucial innings in India’s final group-stage match of the ongoing Champions Trophy on Sunday. With India struggling at 30/3 during the powerplay, Iyer stepped up, using his wide range of strokes to rebuild the innings. His partnership with Axar Patel played a key role in India’s fightback, as he countered New Zealand’s bowling attack with a combination of aggressive stroke play and smart strike rotation.
Iyer stabilized the innings by forming a crucial 98-run stand with Axar Patel and played a gritty knock of 79 off 98 deliveries. His innings was a fine balance of attack and caution, helping India recover from a precarious position. His knock laid the foundation for India to reach a respectable total of 249/9.
ALSO READ
The 30-year-old has been in sublime form against New Zealand, boasting 563 runs in nine ODIs at an impressive average of 70.37 and a strike rate of 100.71. His record includes two centuries and four half-centuries, with a highest score of 105. Across all formats, he has played 24 matches against the Blackcaps, accumulating 990 runs at an average of 47.14, including three centuries and six fifties.
Iyer’s history of stellar performances against New Zealand dates back to his Test debut in November 2021 in Kanpur, where he announced himself with a magnificent 105 off 171 balls, featuring 13 fours and two sixes. His dominance against the Blackcaps continued during the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium, where the Mumbai-born batter thrilled the home crowd with a blistering 105 off 70 balls. That innings, laced with four boundaries and eight sixes, remains the fastest century in a World Cup knockout match, coming in just 67 deliveries.
In the Champions Trophy match, Iyer opened his account with a boundary off William O’Rourke. The young Kiwi bowler initially troubled the Indian lineup, but when he returned for his fourth over, Iyer took full control. He executed three exquisite boundaries off O’Rourke in one over, using his feet expertly and punishing loose deliveries. His flawless technique allowed him to control the innings and push the run rate higher.
However, it was O’Rourke who eventually had the last laugh. The New Zealand pacer dismissed Iyer with a short ball—his known weakness—forcing him into a miscued shot. Will Young, stationed in the deep, juggled the ball on his first attempt but managed to hold onto it on the second try, bringing Iyer’s valiant knock to an end at 79 (98).
Despite his dismissal, Iyer’s innings proved to be the backbone of India’s total, allowing the team to post a competitive 249/9.
Get every cricket update! Follow us on
