DUBAI: New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss India great Virat Kohli in the batsman’s landmark 300th ODI in the final group match of the Champions Trophy on Sunday.
Kohli fell for 11 off 14 balls after New Zealand invited India to bat first in Dubai with the result of the match to decide the semifinal line-up of the 50-over tournament.
But it was Phillips’ fielding marvel that brought the match alive as he dived full stretch to his right at backward point and held on to the ball traveling at a fast pace from Kohli’s bat off fast bowler Matt Henry.
Kohli, 36, stood in disbelief for a few seconds before trudging back to the pavilion as the fans went silent.
Social media, however, was soon abuzz with reactions to the catch: “The Superman of the tournament,” wrote one fan on X.
The winner of the match will play Australia in the semifinal, with the loser taking on South Africa.
Irrespective of the placing and opponent, India will play the first semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday after they refused to travel to hosts Pakistan because of political tensions.
New Zealand will leave for Lahore after the match, with the second semifinal to be played at the Qaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Champions Trophy: Kohli falls to ‘superman’ Phillips’ catch in 300th ODI
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Champions Trophy: Kohli falls to ‘superman’ Phillips’ catch in 300th ODI
- Kohli fell for 11 runs off 14 balls after New Zealand invited India to bat first in Dubai
- The result of the match to decide the semifinal line-up of the 50-over tournament
Dubai Basketball introduce 17-year-old Tomislav Vuckovic as they stay perfect in ABA League
- Winning streak now at 12-0 after the team’s 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball extended their winning streak to 12-0 in the ABA League with a 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena on Monday.
The game also marked a historic moment for the club and basketball development in the UAE. Tomislav Vuckovic, 17, became the first Dubai Basketball Academy player to start for the senior team in official competition.
His inclusion represents a significant milestone in the club’s long-term vision to help young players become professionals, according to a statement from the team.
The opening quarter did not unfold in line with Dubai’s usual standards. Borac Mozzart began with confidence and tempo, capitalizing on early lapses to take a 23-19 lead after the first 10 minutes.
As the former NBA duo McKinley Wright and Dwayne Bacon orchestrated the offence, Dubai gradually took control and went into halftime with a 41-37 advantage.
Dubai’s depth played a key role as the game progressed. Contributions from newcomer Kenan Kamenjas, and Dubai veterans Nemanja Dangubic and Klemen Prepelic, helped sustain the advantage.
Borac’s efforts were largely driven by Marko Josilo and Diante Baldwin. Without consistent support, the visitors were unable to mount a comeback.
Reflecting on the performance, Dubai Basketball Head Coach Jurica Golemac said: “It was not an easy game, especially after such a tight schedule.
“We did not start well, but we found our rhythm in the second half and made the game easier. Everyone shared minutes, nobody got injured, and that is the most important thing for us.”
Dubai managed the final quarter with composure, closing out the contest without allowing the margin to come under threat. Bacon led the scoring with 15 points, while Kamenjas added 13 and seven rebounds.
The team now head into round 22 of the EuroLeague against Virtus Bologna, standing 12th in the league, one position above Dubai.
