Picture Credit: ICC
The first two sessions on Day 5 of the ongoing WTC Final between India and New Zealand witnessed some thrilling cricket. With Virat Kohli's side looking down and out after Day 4, the Indian bowlers were certainly on fire on Tuesday as Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma destroyed the lower middle-order of the Kiwis. With the score reading 221/8 and the pacers getting tired, the Team India skipper introduced Ravichandran Ashwin into the attack to finish the New Zealand innings.
Ashwin and Rahane combination strikes again
After bowling a decent first over of his new spell, Ravichandran Ashwin got his second wicket of the match by deceiving Neil Wagner with a turning delivery. The off-spinner pushed through his delivery with a bit more pace as the left-handed batsman got a leading edge which flew towards the first slip.
Ajinkya Rahane, who was standing at the first slip, was also surprised with how quickly the ball came towards him but he positioned himself really well as the ball struck him on his chest, bounced upwards before he finally held on to the catch on the second attempt.
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Wagner was dismissed on a duck as New Zealand were down to 234/9 after his dismissal before the Kiwis were bowled out on 249. Although the combination of Ashwin and Rahane have given breakthroughs on India on numerous occasions in past, this was the first time that the duo combined to dismiss a Kiwi batsman in this match. The fans would certainly hope that they can combine more often on Day 6 where Ashwin is expected to get a lot more assistance from the wicket.