It’s never easy to run backwards for a catch, and it was on the left hand of Ashwin, but Ashwin did everything precisely
Ravichandran Ashwin took a fabulous catch to send a dangerous Daryl Mitchell back on the fifth delivery of the 28th over off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. He showed terrific technique to grab a hard chance at a crucial moment in the game.
Jadeja bowled a fuller-length delivery, to which Mitchell tried to hit down the ground by using his feet. However, he couldn’t get to the pitch of the ball and could only get the toe end of his bat as the ball went high in the air.
Ashwin immediately ran after the ball, turning sideways to avoid grabbing it over his shoulders and kept his eyes on the ball throughout his sprint. The ball was still going away, so Ashwin had to stretch himself in the end but went with both hands to take the catch, and it sat nicely in his hands.
While going down, he was off-balance but ensured not to leave the ball and completed a fine catch to cut Mitchell’s innings short. It’s never easy to run backwards for a catch, and it was on the left hand of Ashwin, but he did everything precisely to provide a massive breakthrough to his team just before the partnership could become threatening.
After bundling India on 263, New Zealand didn’t have the greatest of starts in the third innings, losing Tom Latham in the first over. However, Devon Conway and Will Young tried stitching a partnership before Washington Sundar weaved his magic and dismissed Conway.
Later, Rachin Ravindra couldn’t last long either and lost his wicket to Ravichandran Ashwin. Daryl Mitchell and Will Young again built a short partnership, but Ashwin’s marvellous effort sent Daryl back.
A flurry of wickets fell again, with New Zealand being reduced to 131/6 and set for a quick all-out. Meanwhile, Will Young, among the biggest positives for the Kiwis on this tour, compiled a composed fifty and is still fighting in the middle.
The Indian team will look to take the remaining wickets as early as possible. Anything over 150 might be tough to chase here.
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