![[WATCH] Rohit Sharma’s Powerful Shot Forces Umpire To Take Cover](https://cricfit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_3386-1.jpg "[WATCH] Rohit Sharma’s Powerful Shot Forces Umpire To Take Cover")
During the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal between India and Australia in Dubai, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma played a ferocious straight drive that forced on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney to dodge for cover. The moment occurred on the final ball of the sixth over, bowled by Nathan Ellis.
Rohit, who was in fine form against the Australian pacers, unleashed a stunning shot that headed straight toward Gaffaney. Reacting swiftly, the umpire jumped aside to avoid being hit, leaving commentators and fans amused. Even Rohit couldn’t help but smile at the moment, and his reaction quickly went viral on social media.
SMASHED IT!
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Australia Posts 264 Despite Strong Indian Bowling
Australia, led by Steve Smith and Alex Carey, managed to put up a total of 264 before being bowled out. Smith played a crucial innings, scoring 73 off 96 balls. He built two significant partnerships—first a 50-run stand with Travis Head (39) and then a 56-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne (29). After Smith’s dismissal in the 37th over, Carey took charge, scoring a vital 61 to push Australia’s total past 260.
India’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, who claimed three wickets for 38 runs. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja picked up two wickets each, while Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel chipped in with one wicket apiece.
India Pays Tribute to Padmakar Shivalkar
Before the match, the Indian team took the field wearing black armbands as a tribute to Padmakar Shivalkar, a legend of domestic cricket, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84. The gesture was a mark of respect for his contributions to Indian cricket. As the game progressed, Rohit Sharma’s spectacular strokeplay and Gaffaney’s quick reflexes added an unexpected moment of entertainment, making it one of the most talked-about highlights of the match.
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