R Ashwin, a star off-spinner for India, is making a 21-month comeback to the Indian ODI setup and will play in his third ODI World Cup. Axar Patel, who had been hurt during the Asia Cup 2023 with a strained left quadriceps, was replaced in the lineup by the 37-year-old. Recently, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi’s two sixes against Ashwin at the 2014 Asia Cup were brought to Ashwin’s attention.
Notably, R Ashwin was bowling against Pakistan with just one wicket required to win for India in the final over with ten needed. However, Afridi’s two consecutive sixes against Ashwin, which helped his team chase down the 246-run total in Mirpur, gave his team the victory. Ashwin was reminded of Afridi’s two significant X-factor strikes by a Pakistani fan. The Indian spinner did, however, end up complimenting the Pakistani bowler for his incredible striking ability in a touching moment.
In response to one of Ashwin’s tweets on X, a supporter had stated, “Shahid Afridi Still remembers those two sixes.” “Man, those were some very good shots. Really respected him as a superb ball striker,” the Indian batsman replied in response.
Those were really good shots man.
Really admired him as a great ball striker👌— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) September 30, 2023
Notably, Ashwin was the game’s best bowler with a total of 3/44 in 9.3 overs, but he ultimately cost India the match by allowing two sixes to Afridi (34* off 18) in the crucial final over.
With four wickets in two innings at an average of 22 and an economy rate of 5.17, the cricketer from Chennai recently impressed on his ODI comeback in the ODI series against Australia. He finished as the series’ joint-second-highest wicket-taker.
Third ODI World Cup match for R Ashwin
The seasoned spinner, who also competed in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, will bring his considerable expertise to the ODI World Cup. With an average of 24.88 and an economy of 4.36, he has taken 17 wickets in the ten matches he has played in the big event.
India’s second warm-up match versus Netherlands will take place on October 3 in Thiruvananthapuram, following the cancellation of their first warm-up match against England. On Sunday, October 8 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, the team captained by Rohit Sharma will play its first league match against Australia.
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