Team India defeated Pakistan by four wickets to start the 2022 T20 World Cup in a solid manner. It was Virat Kohli’s stunning innings that took India home. However, R Ashwin also had a crucial role to play in the end. It was his presence of mind that eased a few nerves for the final delivery. Here, we take a look at how Twitter reacted after R Ashwin did a street smart act to get a free run for India against Pakistan.
India kickstart their T20 World Cup campaign with a win
Chasing 160, India had to suffer a forgettable start. They were 31-4 at one point and key batters KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were back in the hut. India needed a strong response from Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. The duo did that with their ability to plan the chase perfectly.
Hardik Pandya could not time well at the end but it was compensated by Virat Kohli’s exquisite touch. In the last over, India needed 16 runs but the start to the over was not great. India lost Hardik Pandya early but a no-ball helped India claw back into the game. With two runs needed in the final ball, R Ashwin was at the crease. It would have been a pressure moment for him but he intelligently moved across when it appeared that Mohammad Nawaz’s delivery was straying. It was wide and India then needed a run of the final ball. R Ashwin completed the target with ease.
R Ashwin left many impressed with his smart move
Ashwin is one of the most intelligent cricketers at the moment. He finds ways to have an impact on the game, all the while staying within the rules. It also takes nerves of steel to do something that he did against Pakistan. Twitter was happy with Ashwin’s contribution. Here is a look at a few reactions:
While you celebrate the win, spare a thought for the calmness of Ashwin in playing the wide and not looking for the slog.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 23, 2022
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Everyone is going mad, on the ground, in the dugout, in front of screens.
AdvertisementAshwin comes out, leaves nonchalantly.
Field comes in. He lofts the next ball, runs.As if this is a club match, happens every day, no tension, get this done, go home, have tea, watch a web series.
Advertisement— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) October 23, 2022
If the fate of the world rests on someone deciding whether to cut the red wire or the black wire, with 2 seconds remaining, I think we can all agree we give the pliers to Ashwin. #INDvPAK #T20worldcup
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) October 23, 2022
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Also, hats off to Ashwin for sheer awareness to know he'll be just darting the ball on leg. What composure.
Advertisement— Abijit Ganguly (@AbijitG) October 23, 2022
The award for the 'coolest player of the match' goes to R Ashwin (1 not out) for his scoop over the mid-off fielder without breaking a sweat.#T20worldcup22 #T20WC2022 #INDvPAK #PAKvIND
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) October 23, 2022
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The Smartness of Ashwin to leave that ball for wide is what we need in life!😂 #indvspak
Advertisement— Madan Gowri (@madan3) October 23, 2022
ASHWIN TRICKS BOWLER. INDIA WINS. SCIENCE WINS. ISRO WINS. NASA WINS. HEISENBERG WINS.
— Silly Point 🙏 Kohli (@FarziCricketer) October 23, 2022
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Cricket is the only game where a left alone can be one of the biggest moments in the match. Ashwin walks out with 2 to get from 1. The temptation is to panic and hit, like Karthik did. But Ashwin showed nerves of steel to let that wide go. And what a classy four to finish it!
Advertisement— Hardik Rajgor (@Hardism) October 23, 2022
Ashwin anna tricking the bowler to produce a WIDE. pic.twitter.com/stY8h2osKh
— L E E ⑩ (@trolee_) October 23, 2022
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Kohli genius. Two of the best shots you'll ever see in your life vs Pace.
AdvertisementAshwin smartest cricketer ever. Went deep into the crease. Converted a full ball into a half volley. Just lofted over the inner ring.
Crying.
Advertisement— hganjoo (@hganjoo_153) October 23, 2022
