Following centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, India set a formidable target of 398 in the Wankhede semi-final. Mohammed Shami kickstarted India’s innings with an ideal start, claiming both opening batsmen during the powerplay.
Nevertheless, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell brilliantly stabilized the innings, forming a partnership surpassing 150 runs. Williamson tactfully maneuvered the ball to maintain momentum, while Mitchell, using his significant stature, adopted an aggressive approach against the Indian bowlers, notably targeting Ravindra Jadeja’s quicker left-arm deliveries.
Mitchell dominated, striking three maximums and a boundary off Jadeja. As tension mounted, the Indian veteran made a regrettable blunder. In the 23rd over, Jadeja delivered a relatively subdued over, conceding merely three runs off the first five balls.
However, the climax came with a straight delivery that Williamson calmly returned. Yet, Jadeja, with a sense of urgency, seized the rolling Kookaburra, attempting to throw it swiftly toward the striker’s end.
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Unfortunately, the throw missed its target by a considerable distance, veering wide of the crease and evading the wicket-keeper for a four. An evidently embarrassed Jadeja immediately covered his face with his hands while retreating, only to receive a consoling tap on the hand from Mitchell, urging him to stay composed.