Team India batter Shubman Gill took a brilliant running catch to help dismiss Travis Head in the semifinal match against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, Gill received a warning from the umpire after completing the catch of the Australian opener during the ongoing high-stakes clash.
Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy gave India an early advantage in the first semifinal match by dismissing both Australian openers within the first powerplay. Shami sent Cooper Connolly back for a nine-ball duck, while Chakravarthy removed Travis Head to put Australia on the back foot.
Umpire Unimpressed Despite Shubman Gill Taking a Clean Catch
Umpire telling Shubman Gill to hang on the catch for more time and be in complete control. pic.twitter.com/rh3C3QdZka
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During the second ball of the ninth over in Australia’s innings, Varun Chakravarthy bowled a flighted delivery on off and middle stump. Head attempted a lofted shot but failed to make proper contact. The ball hit the lower part of his bat. Shubman Gill, who was at long-off, took a well-judged running catch.
Shubman Gill took a clean catch, but the umpire was not fully convinced as he released the ball immediately after completing it.
The left-handed batter scored 39 runs off just 33 balls, with the help of five boundaries and two sixes. His dismissal left Australia at 54/2 after 8.2 overs in the Champions Trophy semifinal.
Here’s What the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Rule States
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rules, there is no fixed time limit for how long a fielder must hold onto the ball for a catch to be valid. However, the fielder must have full control over both the ball and their own movement before the catch is deemed complete.
“The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his/her own movement,” the rule read.
At the time of writing, Australia are placed at 144-4 after 27 overs, with Smith batting on 59 runs off 72 deliveries. Ravindra Jadeja picked up the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis to bring India back into the match. The spinner conceded 34 runs in his first seven overs, including one maiden.
India and Australia Facing Off for the First Time in Champions Trophy Since 2009
India and Australia are facing each other in the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009 when their match ended without a result. Australia secured a six-wicket victory in the last completed encounter between the two teams in the tournament in 2006.
Rohit Sharma-led India entered the semifinal with three consecutive wins over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. On the other hand, Australia defeated England in their opening match, but their next two group-stage games against South Africa and Afghanistan were washed out due to rain.
The winner of this semifinal will face either South Africa or New Zealand in the final on March 9, depending on the outcome of the second semifinal.
Also read: Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi OUT of Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final? Huge update arrives