Watch: Wankhede chants 'Ashwin, Ashwin' after India spinner takes stunning catch
The Wankhede crowd erupted with chants of “Ashwin, Ashwin” as Ravichandran Ashwin pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell. Fielding at mid-on, Ashwin had to sprint back to reach the towering shot Mitchell attempted off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. Mitchell, looking to loft down the ground, misjudged the delivery, and the ball caught the bottom of his bat, soaring high into the sky. Ashwin tracked it with sharp focus, turning his body side-ways as he closed in, expertly avoiding an over-the-shoulder take.
By timing his dive perfectly, he outstretched his hands to complete the catch mid-air, tumbling but keeping control as the ball almost slipped away. The spectators at Wankhede cheered loudly, appreciating the athleticism and finesse displayed by Ashwin. The moment gave India a breakthrough, breaking a key partnership and shifting momentum. Ashwin’s precise technique and composure under pressure highlighted his fielding prowess despite being 38, showcasing why he is such a valuable player for India.
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Key stand broken
The 50-run stand from 83 balls between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young was broken as the former looked stunned after getting dismissed. All of Mitchell’s hard work went down the drain as he departed for 21 runs from 44 balls. Ashwin ensured to contribute to the team’s interests in every way possible. After going wicket-less in New Zealand’s 1st innings, Ashwin struck with Rachin Ravindra’s wicket. The all-important wicket came during the last ball of the 14th over in New Zealand’s 2nd innings, as Rachin attempted for a big slog and missed it and was eventually stumped by Rishabh Pant behind the wickets.
Jadeja, who picked up a five-wicket haul in the 1st inning, struck again as he dismissed Tom Blundell and India got two quick wickets in no time. New Zealand had a lead of over 70-plus runs by that time.
