During the final half hour of Day 2 of the ongoing Test match between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwinpulled off a brilliant diving catch to dismiss the well-set Daryl Mitchell.
The dismissal came at a critical point in the visitors’ second innings as they were looking to extend their lead.
The Kiwis, who were trailing by 28 runs at the start of theri second innings, had started to build momentum through a steady partnership. Mitchell, who had already batted brilliantly with a solid 82 in the first innings, was looking dangerous at 21.
As the final session of Day 2 progressed, with Kiwis at 94/3, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was brought into the attack. Mitchell, looking to play a big shot, charged down the track to Jadeja. However, the ball gripped the surface, leading Mitchell to miscue the shot.
Ashwin, at mid-off, started tracking back and turned sideways rather than attempting an over-the-shoulder catch to provide himself a better view of the ball. As the ball began to drift away from him, Ashwin lunged forward, fully extending his body, and made a spectacular dive to complete the catch mere inches from the ground. The veteran ensured that the ball remained firmly in his grip despite falling hard on the ground while completing the catch.
Meanwhile, Ashwin, who went wicketless in the first innings, picked his first wicket in the second innings in the form of Rachin Ravindra. He later picked another wicket as he rattled Glenn Phillips’ stumps with a stunning carrom ball.