Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each as India beat New Zealand by 53 runs in the first Twenty20 international in New Delhi on Wednesday. Chasing 203 for victory, the Kiwis could only manage 149-8 in their 20 overs to trail the three-match series 1-0.
But the night was all about one man. In the process of the big win, India gave a fitting farewell to veteran pacer Ashish Nehra, who called time on his playing career. He did not manage to get a wicket, thanks to a couple of catches being dropped, but finished his career – fittingly – with a wide smile on his face.
Twitter erupted with well-wishers including Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman congratulating the 38-year-old fast bowler.
End of an era , Ashish Nehra. Congratulations on a fighting and wonderful career. Wish you the best , Ashish.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 1, 2017
Gud luck my bro #Ashishnehra playing his last game 2day.jus enjoy as we did in this pic aftr winning th World Cup2011. Bhangra khich @BCCI pic.twitter.com/DDkqngSNf7
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 1, 2017
Many congratulations Team India and the Man of the Moment #ashishnehra on a fabulous time on the field.. Wishing you the best in whatever u choose to do #INDVNZ
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) November 1, 2017
18 years at the intl level as a bowler is pretty special. Always backed his own ability - rarely out of control. #NehraJi
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) November 1, 2017
#AshishNehra has been Indian cricket's Jon Snow.
— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) November 1, 2017
Whenever you thought he was dead - he came back.
Sad to see him go.#ThankYouNehraJi
I'll never forget ur spell against England in the 2003 WC. U've really served the country well, #Nehraji. Wish u a successful life✌️🇮🇳👌👍💥✨ pic.twitter.com/rW1NVODOlV
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) November 1, 2017
Bye bye Ashish Nehra.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) November 1, 2017
I'll remember 33 things about you:
That one heart with which you bowled.
And the 32 teeth with which you smiled.
Oldest to appear for India in T20Is
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) November 1, 2017
38 years 232 days - Rahul Dravid in Aug 2011
38 years 186 days - Ashish Nehra in Nov 2017#IndvNZ
Nehraji has no wicket to show in his last match but leaves behind splendid memories. Second innings in the commentary box beckons?
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 1, 2017
Our very own Punnagai Mannan calls it a day. Here's to a new beginning. #ThankYouNehraJi 🦁💛😇🙏 pic.twitter.com/Chi7k9JDZS
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 1, 2017
Many congratulations to Ashish Nehra on a wonderful career. With his grit&will power he is an inspiration for all cricketers.Happy 2nd inngs
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 1, 2017
All the best #NehraJi for the future! Thank you for your love for the game and your contribution to #TeamIndia. #Champ
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) November 1, 2017
To know how long Nehra's career was. Think about it this way, his FC debut was when Judwaa released, he is retiring after Judwaa 2 released.
— Clive (@vanillawallah) November 1, 2017
Ashish nehra's lap of honor and @bhogleharsha on air . Tears in my eyes as I remember SRT's lap of honor and Harsha's background voice
— KedarHirve (@KedarHirve) November 1, 2017
