Wicket-keeper KL Rahul pulled off a superb, flying catch to dismiss Australia’s talisman batsman, Steve Smith, in the first ODI of the 3-match series, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Interim captain Hardik Pandya was the wicket-taker as he had Steve Smith slashing at a delivery that was on length outside the off-stump and taking the bat’s outside edge. The ball flew rapidly to the right of KL Rahul – who, not to forget, had been told to take the gloves despite Ishan Kishan being in the XI because India have chosen KL Rahul as their wicket-keeper in ODIs in the absence of Rishabh Pant.
Seeing the ball flying to his right, KL Rahul, with nimble feet, made a quick jump and dove across to his right hand side, and pouched the ball with both his gloves, completing a terrific catch, and giving India a crucial breakthrough. Even while falling on the ground, the wicket-keeper ensured he had the ball safe in his mittens, sending the Australian captain back to the dressing room.
Watch: KL Rahul’s flying grab to dismiss Steve Smith
Edged and taken!@hardikpandya7 strikes and how good was that grab behind the stumps from @klrahul 💪
Steve Smith departs.
Watch his dismissal here 👇👇#INDvAUS @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/yss3sj4N4z
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 17, 2023
KL Rahul was impressive behind the stumps today
This wicket of Steve Smith, courtest of bowler Hardik Pandya and catcher KL Rahul, broke a burgeoning partnership of 72 (63) between Smith and Mitchell Marsh, giving India a break at a desperate moment.
Meanwhile, Australia suffered a collapse from 129/2 to 188 all-out, after Mitchell Marsh’s thunderous knock of 81 runs off 65 balls. When Marsh was batting, it felt like 350 was set to be breached, however, Jadeja dismissed Marsh, after which the Aussies crumbled under the searing pace and spin trickery from the Indian bowlers.
The visitors were bundled out inside 36 overs for 188 runs – except Shardul Thakur, who only bowled 2 overs, all the rest of the Indian bowlers were amongst wickets with Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj taking 3 wickets each, Jadeja took two wickets while Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav took a scalp each.
