Abhishek Sharma takes superb diving catch as India star gets big wicket of Daryl Mitchell on return in NZ vs IND 2026 5th T20I [Watch]

Star opener Abhishek Sharma pulled off a superb catch in the deep as India got the big wicket of Daryl Mitchell in the fifth T20I between New Zealand and India. It is the final game of the series, being played in Hamilton.

India star Varun Chakaravarthy, who was included in the playing XI, picked up the massive wicket on his return. On the third ball of the ninth over, Varun bowled a full delivery in the slot. Mitchell, who looked to smash it over long-off, failed to get hold of it.

Abhishek Sharma, who was stationed at the position, plunged forward and put in a well-timed dive to take a low catch. He grabbed it with both hands and did well to keep his fingers under the ball all the way through as the ball was dying on him.

Watch the dismissal below –

It was a massive wicket for India as they are defending just 191 runs. Daryl Mitchell was well set and looking dangerous. He made 29 runs off 16 balls with four sixes. It was a timely blow, breaking the 73-run stand for the second wicket between Tim Seifert and Mitchell.

Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a poor score early on

When India batted first, Abhishek Sharma did not have a good outing. He failed to get going, scoring just one run off two balls and being dismissed early in the powerplay. He would be glad to have made up for it with a spectacular effort in the field, making a vital contribution.

Abhishek Sharma had just one big knock in the series. In the third game, where India chased down 199 in 13.2 overs, he slammed a magnificent 113 off just 38 balls with nine fours and 11 sixes at a strike rate of 297.37.

He got good starts in three games but could not convert them into big scores. Overall, the star Indian opener ended the series with 197 runs from five matches at an average of 39.40 and a strike rate of 223.86, with one century. He would have been keen to have delivered more consistently with the bat.

Edited by Rishab Vm