Watch: Abhishek Sharma takes a stunning catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell in 5th T20I vs NZ 2026

India opener Abhishek Sharma took a stunning catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell in the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Hamilton. The catch came at a crucial stage of the match as India looked to break New Zealand's momentum during their chase at Seddon Park.

Varun Chakaravarthy provided India with the breakthrough on his return to the playing XI. On the third ball of the ninth over, Mitchell tried to hit Varun's full delivery over long-off but failed to get enough power behind the shot. Abhishek Sharma, stationed in the deep, ran forward and completed an impressive diving catch.

Mitchell departed after scoring 29 runs off 16 balls, including four sixes. His wicket gave India an important breakthrough as Varun made an immediate impact on his return to the team. 

Watch Abhishek Sharma's stunning catch here:

How Abhishek Sharma’s stunning catch unfolded: Key details of Daryl Mitchell’s dismissal

The key moment came in the ninth over when Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a full delivery in the slot. Daryl Mitchell tried to clear the boundary but failed to connect cleanly, sending the ball towards long-off. Abhishek Sharma, who was fielding in the deep, quickly moved forward and dived to take a low catch just above the ground.

Abhishek judged the ball perfectly and held it with both hands, keeping his fingers underneath to complete the catch. The ball appeared to be dropping in front of him, making the effort even more impressive. The umpires checked the catch before confirming Mitchell's dismissal, giving India an important breakthrough.

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Mitchell scored 29 runs off 16 balls, including four sixes, before returning to the pavilion. His dismissal also ended a 73-run partnership off 42 balls with Tim Seifert for the second wicket. The wicket was crucial for India as they looked to defend their total of 191 runs against an aggressive New Zealand batting line-up.

Varun Chakaravarthy makes a telling impact on his return to the India XI

Varun Chakaravarthy made his first appearance in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in the fifth game. He replaced Axar Patel, who missed the match, after sitting out the first four T20Is. The spinner made an immediate impact by dismissing Daryl Mitchell with the help of Abhishek Sharma's brilliant catch.

Chakaravarthy finished his spell with figures of 1/45 in four overs at an economy rate of 11.25. Although Mitchell had earlier hit him for a six over long-on, the spinner responded by forcing the batter into another attacking shot that resulted in his dismissal.

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His breakthrough came at an important stage, with New Zealand scoring 82/2 in 8.3 overs. Chakaravarthy also troubled Tim Seifert and Glenn Phillips with his variations in pace, length and turn. His wicket of Mitchell helped India break a dangerous partnership and put pressure on the New Zealand batting line-up.

Fans and experts react to Abhishek Sharma’s brilliant fielding effort

Abhishek Sharma's stunning catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell quickly caught the attention of cricket fans. His effort at long-off became one of the highlights of the fifth T20I between India and New Zealand. Fans praised his athleticism, sharp reflexes and excellent presence of mind.

Several viewers took to social media to appreciate the Indian opener's fielding effort. Many fans called it a brilliant catch, while others highlighted how important Mitchell's wicket was for India at that stage of the match.

The catch also showed Abhishek's value to the Indian team beyond his batting. His contribution in the field helped Varun Chakaravarthy pick up an important wicket and gave India a chance to put pressure on New Zealand's chase.