Chants of "Ashwin, Ashwin" erupted from the Wankhede crowd after Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Daryl Mitchell with a spectacular catch. Ashwin had to run back after fielding at mid-on to get to the towering drive Mitchell tried off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling.
The ball struck the bottom of Mitchell's bat and flew high into the sky after he misjudged the delivery while attempting to loft it down the ground. Ashwin followed it intently, slanting his body to the side as he got closer, deftly evading an over-the-shoulder shot.
He made a superb dive and then extended his hands to finish the catch in midair, sliding but maintaining control as the ball nearly slipped away. Ashwin's athleticism and skill were appreciated by the Wankhede crowd, who roared enthusiastically. Breaking a crucial partnership and changing momentum, the moment provided India with a breakthrough.
Despite being 38, Ashwin's accurate technique and poise under duress demonstrated his fielding ability and the reasons he is such an important member of the Indian team.
Will Young appeared stunned after being removed, ending the 50-run partnership between him and Daryl Mitchell from 83 balls. Mitchell left for 21 runs off of 44 balls, wasting all of his hard work. Ashwin made careful to support the team's goals in whatever manner he could.
Ashwin took Rachin Ravindra's wicket after New Zealand had gone wicketless in the first innings. In the final ball of the 14th over in New Zealand's second innings, Rachin tried a massive slog but missed it, and Rishabh Pant eventually stumped him behind the wickets. This was the crucial wicket.
After taking five wickets in the first inning, Jadeja struck again, dismissing Tom Blundell, and India quickly took two more. By then, New Zealand was ahead by more than 70 runs.Â
