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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Harry Latham-Coyle

Virat Kohli falls to stunning catch as India battle New Zealand in Champions Trophy

Virat Kohli fell cheaply during the Group A fixture in Dubai - (REUTERS)

Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply thanks to an outrageous catch from Glenn Phillips as New Zealand struck a crucial early blow against India at the Champions Trophy.

Both sides are already through to the semi-finals from Group A at the tournament, with their final fixture determining seeding heading into the knockout rounds.

The Blackcaps won the toss in Dubai and made a strong start after inserting their opposition, with Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson removing Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in a dangerous new-ball burst.

And India were reduced to 30-3 inside seven overs as the athletic Phillips took a stunner at backward point.

Kohli had recaptured his form during this campaign with a sparkling century against Pakistan in his last outing, and would have felt confident as he crunched a cut off the bowling of Henry.

But Phillips, one of the world’s best fielders, launched to his right with remarkable reflexes to pluck an extraordinary catch with the ball almost behind him to remove Kohli for just 11.

The former wicket-keeper is making a habit of pulling off fine feats in the field, producing a similarly spectacular grab to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan earlier in the tournament.

Glenn Phillips is one of the world's best fielders (AP)

The winner of the encounter will face Australia in the last four after South Africa sealed top spot in Group B by beating England on Saturday.

Regardless of their finishing position, India will play the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday having refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Both South Africa and Australia flew to the United Arab Emirates, with the side that faces New Zealand having to fly to Lahore ahead of a meeting on Wednesday.

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