Varun Chakravarthy experienced a moment of inattention during his debut match in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India faced the challenging task of defending a total of 250 runs against New Zealand. The mystery spinner was included in the playing XI, replacing Harshit Rana, who was rested after participating in the tournament's initial two matches. The Indian team opted for a strategy featuring four spinners in their final group-stage encounter.

While defending the 250-run target, India had an opportunity to dismiss Will Young in the fourth over. Hardik Pandya delivered a slower ball in an effort to outsmart the New Zealand opener, who mis-timed his shot. Varun had a chance to secure a catch, but unfortunately, he mishandled the opportunity, allowing the ball to slip through his grasp and subsequently kick it to the boundary. Hardik expressed his disappointment with Varun's performance, covering his face in frustration. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli also appeared taken aback, similarly concealing his face in disbelief.

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who was commentating, also assessed Varun's efforts.

"You're not the best fielder, but you want to prove that you can do everything simple possible. And that's the catch that needed to be taken. He could have just probably waited on it and taken it on the bounce and given it back to the bowler. But here he is trying to show himself and everybody around that he could take that catch, and in the end, unluckily for him, the ball hit his field and rolled to the boundary," Dinesh Karthik said during the commentary.

Henry claims a fifer as IND post 249/9

Matt Henry previously achieved a remarkable five-wicket haul, while the New Zealand fielders delivered an exceptional performance, restricting India to a modest total of 249 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

Following a collapse in the top order, Shreyas Iyer (79) and the left-handed Axar Patel (42) formed a crucial partnership of 98 runs for the fourth wicket, effectively stabilizing the innings against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. Hardik Pandya contributed significantly with a brisk 45 runs off 45 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, enhancing the total on a challenging pitch.

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