New Zealand's bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith took a blinder in the second ODI game against Sri Lanka to remove Eshan Malinga. It was a mind-blowing catch that will be etched in the history books. Smith wasn't having the best day with a couple of misfields earlier. However, he rose to the occasion and grabbed a stunner to help New Zealand get the victory a bit sooner.
On the last ball of the 29th over, William ORourke bowled a short ball, wide of off, and Malinga went to hit it over the keeper. Smith kept on running towards the ball as it went to the fine third-man. Keeping his eyes on the ball, he jumped horizontally to the ground and grabbed the catch.
New Zealand won the game by 113 runs. The credit for this win goes to Rachin Ravindra, who scored 79 runs in 63 balls, hitting nine boundaries and one six. In the bowling, it was William O'Rourke who claimed three wickets, helping New Zealand win the game as well as the series. Ravindra won the Player of the Match award for his brilliant batting.
I enjoy the ODI format: Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra was the Player of the Match for his brilliant batting performance in the game. He looked confident throughout the innings and didn't make any mistakes. Even his wicket wasn't much of his fault as Charith Asalanka pulled off a stunner. The player praised the skipper for his stunning catch and the team effort made overall.
"Nice natural tempo to go out there and play cricket shots (in ODIs). I enjoy the ODI format; although you don’t see many games happening now, it’s a format I grew up watching. We kept reacting to the ball; I’ve also got a pretty nice bat, so I can’t complain. (On his dismissal) Probably could’ve hit it over the top, but it was a nice catch; we don’t play for milestones. We were wanting to chase; it was a little bit sticky to start, but the way our boys bowled was fantastic," said Ravindra at the post-match presentation.
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