Ashish Nehra hung up his boots from the game after playing his last game in Delhi where India took on New Zealand in the first T20I. It was a comfortable victory for the hosts as they took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. More than the Indian win, the game was about Ashish Nehra who signed off in front of his home crowd.
After the Indian batsmen amassed 202 runs batting first, the stage was set for the veteran pacer to unleash his skills for the one last time. Although he was unfortunate not to pick up any wickets as 2 catches were dropped off his bowling yet he bowled immaculate lines to prove his selection at the age of 38.
As the Kiwis were going down one by one, the clock was ticking and Nehra’s career was coming close to the end. But during the 15th over, he produced a moment that will be etched in the memories of the Kotla crowd for a while.
Yuzvendra Chahal bowled to Tim Southee and the New Zealander nudged that fine down the leg side. Nehra was stationed at short fine leg and had to run towards his right to stop the ball. The Delhi-lad planted his foot as the ball lobbed in the air which he collected with his right hand and threw back to the keeper MS Dhoni.
The footwork of Nehra left everyone amused and the skipper Virat Kohli was impressed with the effort as he clapped in appreciation. The crowd also burst into a huge cheer and the man himself enjoyed the moment as well.
Later, Nehra came on to bowl the final over of the innings which was also the last over of his career. With 61 runs to defend from 6 balls, he bowled without any worries with a short run-up. As he finished the over, he went for a lap around the ground to thank the fans and lived the last few moments in the blue jersey.
Here’s the video
How's that for footy skills from our very own Nehraji? What do you make of that @YUVSTRONG12 😉 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/YaTeJk5d0t
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 1, 2017
