Virat Kohli stunned as Omarzai takes superb running catch to dismiss RCB star
Virat Kohli was left in disbelief after Azmatullah Omarzai pulled off a spectacular caught-and-bowled to dismiss the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star in the 15th over of the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings.Omarzai dug in a short ball that rose sharply, and Kohli attempted a pull shot but only managed a top edge. With no fielder stationed at mid-wicket, the ball went high into the air. Omarzai sprinted towards it but ran into the non-striker, Liam Livingstone, who was backing up for a single. Despite the unexpected obstruction, the Afghan pacer showed remarkable presence of mind and athleticism to recover, regain speed, and dive full length to complete the catch with both hands. Smart bowling fantastic catchAzmatullah Omarzai's brilliance sees Virat Kohli walking back At 132/4 after 15 overs, predict #RCB's final score Updates https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile pic.twitter.com/0lm4k29khb— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025advertisementOmarzai ensured the ball didn't pop out as he landed hard on his elbows. It was a moment of brilliance under pressure, and a significant turning point in the match. Kohli, who had been looking to anchor the innings, was dismissed for 43 off 35 balls, including three boundaries.
IPL 2025 Final: UpdatesIt was a crucial breakthrough for Punjab Kings. Kohli's approach in the final raised eyebrows. Known for stepping up in big matches, the former RCB captain took a conservative route, choosing to rotate the strike rather than go for big shots. This came despite him batting at a strike rate of nearly 150 throughout the tournament.His intent sparked debate. On commentary, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden remarked that Kohli needed to press on, especially with 200 considered a par score at the Narendra Modi Stadium. During the first strategic time-out, after the ninth over, cameras captured an animated exchange between Kohli, head coach Andy Flower, and batting coach Dinesh Karthik - both seemingly urging the batter to lift the scoring rate.advertisementEarlier, Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl. Both teams named unchanged XIs for the final - a sign of faith in their core line-ups. Kohli's dismissal halted RCB's momentum at a crucial stage. For Punjab, Omarzai's effort was not just a turning point but a spark in a final where every moment counts.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune In You May Also Like
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