India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya may not have been the top scorer in the exhilarating four-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal, yet his contribution was pivotal in the chase of 265 runs. His explosive innings of 28 runs enabled India to secure the win with 11 balls remaining, marking their third consecutive appearance in the Champions Trophy final.

Pandya entered the field with India requiring 49 runs from 44 balls, following the dismissal of their established batsman Virat Kohli, who scored 84 runs. After initially struggling against Nathan Ellis's slower deliveries, Hardik unleashed his power with three massive sixes, significantly shifting the momentum in favor of India and bringing them closer to victory.

One of these sixes, struck against Tanveer Sangha on the fifth ball of the 45th over, soared directly into the Royal Box of the Dubai International Stadium, where ICC chairman Jay Shah was present. The former BCCI secretary beamed with delight as he retrieved the ball and tossed it back onto the field.

In footage that surfaced on social media on Thursday, India’s captain Rohit Sharma was seen mimicking Hardik's six in front of the all-rounder, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Shah after the match against Australia in Dubai. Gambhir could hardly contain his laughter as Shah recounted his immediate reaction to the impressive shot.

India face New Zealand in final

India is set to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday in Dubai. The Black Caps secured their place in the final by defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal held in Lahore on Wednesday.

In One Day International cricket, India holds a 61-50 advantage in their head-to-head record against New Zealand, and they lead 2-1 in Champions Trophy encounters, which includes a victory during the group stage of the current tournament. However, it is noteworthy that New Zealand triumphed over India by four wickets in their only previous ICC tournament meeting, which occurred 25 years ago in the final in Nairobi.

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