Ravindra Jadeja, the star Indian all-rounder, achieved a significant milestone by becoming India’s top wicket-taker in the Asia Cup ODI tournament. His exceptional performance, marked by a remarkable three-wicket spell, occurred during the match against Nepal at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Jadeja emerged as a key performer in India’s bowling attack against Nepal’s middle-order. Nepal got off to a blazing start in their innings, with Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Shaikh accumulating an amazing 65-run partnership within the opening 10 overs. However, as soon as the first wicket fell, Jadeja joined the picture and made an impression, clinching three key wickets.
His critical moment came in the 22nd over when he removed Kushal Malla, a wicket that drew him equal with the famous all-rounder Irfan Pathan as India’s top wicket-taker in the Asia Cup ODI event. Irfan Pathan had taken 22 wickets in 12 matches, while Jadeja, India’s best left-arm spinner, attained the same milestone in 16 games. Impressively, Jadeja also claimed the title of the leading wicket-taker among the current tournament competitors, but Shakib Al Hasan was hard on his heels, requiring just one more wicket to catch up.
Jadeja’s spell consisted of ten overs, during which he got three key wickets while giving a measly 40 runs. His first victim was Bhim Sharki, whom he bowled out comprehensively. Jadeja’s presence on the field prevented any Nepali batsman from settling comfortably at the crease, effectively upsetting their powerful opening partnership. Furthermore, Jadeja’s scalps included the dismissals of captain Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla, which left Nepal reeling at four wickets down with a total of 101 runs. Another crucial spinner in the Indian lineup, Kuldeep Yadav, might not have got any wickets in the game, but his tight bowling maintained the pressure on the Nepali team.
Comments 1