Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma Equals Brian Lara's 12-Toss Losing Record

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Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma Equals Brian Lara's 12-Toss Losing Record

Synopsis

Rohit Sharma, captain of the Indian cricket team, has matched Brian Lara's infamous record of 12 consecutive toss losses in ODIs during the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. This marks India's overall 15th toss defeat, as they continue their quest for a third title.

Key Takeaways

  • Rohit Sharma's toss loss streak equals Brian Lara's record.
  • India's overall toss losses reach 15.
  • Matt Henry misses the final due to injury.
  • New Zealand opts to bat after winning the toss.
  • India remains unbeaten in the tournament thus far.

Dubai, March 9 (NationPress) The Indian cricket team's captain, Rohit Sharma, has now equaled the notorious record of losing 12 successive tosses in ODI cricket during the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

With this latest toss loss, Rohit matches the legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, who faced a similar challenge between October 1998 and May 1999. Additionally, Peter Borren from the Netherlands is noted for losing 11 tosses from March 2011 to August 2013.

This incident marks India's overall 15th consecutive toss loss. Rohit's series of toss defeats commenced during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, where India was defeated by six wickets.

As for the match itself, New Zealand is set to compete in the 2025 Champions Trophy final without their leading pace bowler Matt Henry, who won the toss and opted to bat first.

Henry leads the ongoing tournament with 10 wickets, including an impressive 5-42 against India during the Group A match in Dubai. However, he sustained a shoulder injury while catching Heinrich Klaasen's catch in New Zealand’s semi-final match against South Africa in Lahore, which they won by 50 runs.

Due to failing a fitness test before the final, New Zealand has decided to bring in right-arm pacer Nathan Smith as his replacement.

India is aiming for their third Champions Trophy title, while New Zealand seeks their second trophy, last secured in 2000. Up to this point, India has remained unbeaten in the current tournament, whereas New Zealand's only defeat occurred against India in Dubai on March 2.

As of the latest update, New Zealand stands at 69/1 following the Powerplay.