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The third Test match between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai saw veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin deliver a performance that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come. While Ashwin is renowned for his exceptional bowling skills, it was his fielding prowess that truly stole the show on the second day of the match. The match was delicately poised with a 50-run partnership blooming between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young. This partnership threatened to turn the tide of the match in favor of New Zealand, and India needed a moment of magic to break it.
That moment of magic arrived in the form of a truly sensational catch by Ashwin. With Mitchell hitting a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja high in the air, Ashwin, positioned at mid-on, faced a difficult task: he would need to run back a considerable distance and then execute a diving catch to claim the wicket. Despite not being renowned for his lightning-fast pace in the outfield, Ashwin rose to the occasion, displaying an impressive combination of athleticism and anticipation. He covered the ground swiftly, timed his dive perfectly, and held onto the ball with remarkable composure.
This catch was lauded by many as the greatest catch of Ashwin's long and illustrious career. Fans on social media were quick to hail the catch as a moment of pure brilliance, and the Wankhede Stadium erupted in thunderous applause as Ashwin returned to the pavilion with a sense of triumph. Even at the age of 38, Ashwin demonstrated that he retains the athleticism and reflexes needed to make extraordinary plays on the field.
The impact of Ashwin's catch was significant. It triggered a collapse in the New Zealand batting order, leading to a loss of five wickets for just 77 runs. The momentum shifted decisively in favor of India, leaving New Zealand firmly on the backfoot at the end of day 2. The wicket-taking bowling display continued, with Ashwin taking three wickets in the innings, including the prized wicket of Glenn Phillips. Phillips, known for his powerful hitting, had earlier smashed two sixes off Ashwin in a single over. However, Ashwin turned the tables in the same over with a carrom ball that left Phillips stumped and bamboozled.
Source: 38-Year-Old Ravichandran Ashwin Takes "Greatest Catch Of His Career" vs NZ, World In Awe. Watch