Cricket fans who enjoy watching thrilling fielding are finding the final group-stage match between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 2, to be quite the spectacle.
With their outstanding fielding performances in the first inning, Glenn Phillips and Kane Williamson stole the show. In the second innings,
Axar Patel led the way for India in the field after making a fantastic catch to get rid of the dangerous Rachin Ravindra.
The Men in Blue needed early wickets with the new ball after being held to a respectable score of 249/9 in their 50 overs. Given his versatility and ability to deprive other teams of the game, Ravindra’s wicket was going to be crucial for India. The southpaw, however, was unable to have much of an impact as he left for six off 12 balls in the fourth over.
Ravindra was removed by Hardik with the last ball of the over. The Baroda all-rounder missed the off-stump with a brief delivery at 123 kph. At deep third man, it appeared that the ball would go short of Axar after Ravindra sliced at the delivery. The latter, on the other hand, responded swiftly, charging in and diving forward to make a superb catch. He didn’t let the ball fall out of his hands even when his elbows struck the floor.
Hardik Pandya Claims Ravindra’s Wicket, Assisted by Axar Patel’s Screamer! 👏
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When New Zealand loses both openers, Will Young leaves.
Following Ravindra’s firing, Will Young attempted to wait it out and form a partnership with Kane Williamson. However, Varun Chakaravarthy stopped his 22-run knock in the 12th over. The right-hander only got an inside edge onto his back leg and subsequently onto the stumps despite his best efforts to dab a flatter delivery.
Daryl Mitchell has joined Williamson, who has gotten off to a strong start. As two of the team’s more seasoned players, New Zealand will be hoping that this combination will help them in the run-chase.