Siechem Madurai Panthers leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin produced a moment of magic as he took a sensational catch during TNPL 2023 match number 8. Although his team remained on the losing side, Ashwin’s splendid effort deserves plenty of appreciation.
One of the finest catches ever!
Flying Murugan Ashwin. pic.twitter.com/HiaSxRLfQ8
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 19, 2023
It was an extremely low scoring contest and the match saw Madurai Panthers lock horns with Ravichandran Ashwin’s Dindigul Dragons. After winning the toss, DD asked SMP to Bat first in a surface which looked extremely slow and bowling friendly.
Also Read: The Role of Coaches in Preparing Teams for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers
Dindigul prevented SMP from getting off to a good start despite having a number of power hitters in the team. All-Rounder Washington Sundar featured for Madurai but made no impact whatsoever. Their highest scorer was Jagatheesan Kousik who got out for 45 off 34.
SMP eventually folded out for 123 in 19.3 overs and the target was never going to be a problem for Dindigul Dragons. Though DD also had a crumbling start, Wicket-keeper Batsman Baba Indrajith took the charge to finish he game off.
He went on to score 78 off 48 deliveries at a strike rate of 162.50 including Seven 4s and Four 6s. He partnered along with Adithya Ganesh to help Dindigul Dragons win the match by 7 wickets with 35 balls to spare. While DD certainly enjoyed, SMP also had a moment to cherish.
Murugan Ashwin heaps appreciation after heroic effort against Dindigul
Murugan Ashwin grabbed attention on Sunday for all the right reasons as he displayed an extraordinary feat on the field, which is not witnessed every day by the spectators. During the fourth over, specifically the fourth ball, delivered by the left-arm fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh, a length delivery was aimed outside the off stump.
At this point, S Arun, who had scored 3 runs off 4 balls, attempted to hit the ball over mid-off but failed to generate the required elevation. The ball seemed destined to go over the point region where Murugan Ashwin was stationed. Despite the ball being seemingly out of his reach, the 32-year-old cricketer refused to give up.
He sprinted backward with full force, extending both hands as the ball descended, and made a remarkable diving catch. Expectedly, Murugan’s energy soared high after successfully completing the catch, and both the crowd and his teammates erupted in joy, witnessing his unwavering commitment on the field.
