Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma steps on kitbag outside boundary, takes excellent catch to dismiss Virat Singh in SMAT 2025 encounter; watch video

Jharkhand’s Virat Singh was cruising towards his century when an excellent fielding display from Rajasthan’s Ashok Sharma on the boundary sent him packing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 clash. Ashok took the catch inside the boundary and lobbed the ball in the air, stepped on the kitbag near the boundary and completed the catch.

The incident took place in the 14th over of the innings. Deepak Hooda bowled one outside the off stump. Virat danced down the track in an attempt to clear the long-on boundary. Ashok took the catch, threw the ball in the air, stepped on the kit bag, maintained his balance and completed the catch.

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While the catch was excellent, placing kit bag near the boundary was not among the wisest of choices as Ashok could have tripped over, twisted his ankle in an attempt to take the catch. It is to be noted that the clash took place at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where there is ample space near the dugout to keep the kits.

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Jharkhand post big total on board

Virat was left disappointed as he missed crossing the boundary by a small margin. The southpaw departed after scoring 69 runs from 36 deliveries. He hit five sixes and four fours during his stay at the crease.

After Virat's 69-run knock, stand-in captain and wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra scored a 37-ball 55. Robin Minz scored 58 runs from just 27 balls as Jharkhand posted 215/5 on the board. Ashok was expensive with the ball. The pacer conceded 52 runs from his quota of four overs. His only scalp was all-rounder Anukul Roy.

Comfortable win for Jharkhand

Virat ended up on the winning side as Rajasthan were bowled out for 179. Sushant Mishra and Roy took three wickets apiece. Karan Lamba was the top run-scorer for Rajasthan in the unsuccessful run chase. He scored 52 runs from 37 deliveries. Mahipal Lomror and Mukul Choudhary's cameos were not enough as Rajasthan suffered a collapse and lost the match by 36 runs. Roy had his revenge as he dismissed Ashok for a golden duck.