Day 2 The third and final Test between India and New Zealand demonstrated an important moment Ravichandran Ashwin‘s fielding brilliance helped India throw the dangerous one Daryl Mitchell.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s brilliant pitch changes the pace
The dismissal came at 27.5 of New Zealand’s second innings. Ravindra Jadeja. Attempting to lift the ball up, Mitchell mistimed his bottom of the bat, resulting in a high but short trajectory. Ashwin, in the middle, reacted quickly by sprinting back to follow the flight of the ball. He completed an excellent two-handed catch as he fell, sealing Mitchell’s fate. This magnificent effort sent Mitchell back to the pavilion for 21 off 44 balls, leaving him visibly stunned.
We present the video:
He runs backwards
He keeps his eyes on the ball
Makes a great catch 👍Sensational stuff from R Ashwin! 👏 👏
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— BCCI (@BCCI) November 2, 2024
The crucial wicket came at a time when New Zealand’s second innings was in a rebuilding phase. Before Jadeja’s breakthrough, the broadcast statistics showed that no wicket fell between 21 and 30 overs in both the first innings. Mitchell et al Will Youngwho had previously anchored New Zealand’s batting, was on course to repeat the feat. Their 50-run stand began to strain India’s efforts, especially as the pitch conditions continued to deteriorate. To counter this, India made a strategic change by changing Jadeja’s bowling end, playing off the side’s previous success from that position. The gamble paid off and the momentum swung in India’s favor as Mitchell’s aggressive batting effort resulted in his dismissal.
Also WATCH: Ravichandran Ashwin beats Rachin Ravindra with masterful bowling on Day 2 of 3rd Test
New Zealand’s position after Daryl Mitchell’s departure
Mitchell’s wicket came at a critical juncture, leaving New Zealand at 125/5 after 32 overs for 97 runs. The dismissal was a significant blow to New Zealand’s ambitions as their innings was left out. Things got worse as the visitors lost two more wickets Glenn Phillips. Young and the bowlers were now left with the task of steadying the innings and maintaining a slim lead. However, India took advantage of their momentum and limited New Zealand’s scoring opportunities. At the end of the second day, New Zealand were 171/9 leading by 143 runs.
Earlier in the day, India took a slim lead of 28 runs in 59.4 overs for 263 runs. Shubman Gill90 points that reached a painful century. Rishabh pants showing his aggressive approach, he added 60 points out of 59. New Zealand on the bowling side Ajaz Patel was the pick of the lot, securing a five-wicket haul. Matt HenryPhillips et al Job Sodhi They took a wicket each, ensuring that India’s innings ended with minimal damage to New Zealand’s hopes.
