One of the most dramatic and tense matches in recent memory is the one between Australia and India. Travis Head is one member on India’s team who has continuously caused problems. The southpaw has been Australia’s main weapon against the Men in Blue, from his game-winning performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup final to the eventual World Test Championship final.
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match, the Indian squad was determined to create an early impression and keep Head from settling in. Before Ravindra Jadeja’s precise throw at the non-striker’s end just missed the stumps,
Head flicked a back-of-a-length delivery from Hardik Pandya towards backward point and sprinted for a quick single in the fourth over.
After standing his position, Head sighed with relief, realizing how close he was to being fired. But the Indian all-rounder was smiling as he quickly reminded him of the occasion.
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India didn’t have to wait long to see Head again, even though he survived the run-out scare. When mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was added to the assault in the ninth over, he hit gold right away.
Head chose to face the spinner without even passing judgment on him, having already amassed 39 off 33 balls with five fours and two sixes. He mistimed his attempt to loft the ball down the ground, and Shubman Gill made no mistake at long-range.
Ace pacer Mohammed Shami had earlier dismissed opener Cooper Connolly for the Men in Blue in the third over.