R Ashwin, former India spinner, is leading the Dublin Guardians in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL 2026) and was seen showing off a new celebration in a recent game against the Amsterdam Flames that was played at Sportpark Westvliet, The Hague, on September 5, 2026.
Ashwin had won the toss and chosen to bowl in the game. Steve Smith made 38, and Tim David made 35 runs, while Curtis Campher’s 32 in the final overs propelled the Flames to 169/7 in 20 overs. Matt Hollard and George Dockrell picked two wickets each, while Ashwin picked one scalp.
Ashwin also bowled to Australian batting great Steve Smith, who opened the innings for the Flames. During his spell, Ashwin unveiled a new bowling action, something that the ex-India spinner used to do in international cricket as well.
He used to take a pause while delivering the ball or bowl from two steps or even copied Sunil Narine’s bowling action. This time, however, Ashwin was seen using both of his arms and using their momentum to give the ball more speed.
See here:
Ashwin always has something new up his sleeve ????
— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial) September 5, 2026
#ETPL pic.twitter.com/PMJTS7d4M9
While Smith negotiated the deliveries easily, Tim David was not so lucky. David was looking good with 35 runs in 26 balls, with 2 fours and 2 sixes, and was set to push the scoring rate but fell on the last ball of the 17th over, bowled by Ashwin.
Ashwin bowled a carrom ball that Tim David tried to power over the mid-wicket boundary for a six. However, as the ball spun away from him, David couldn’t get the power behind the shot, and the ball went high up in the air, towards the long-off boundary.
Harry Tector settled under the ball and took an easy catch, sending David back when it was the time when he could’ve exploded with his ability to hit the big shots. Ashwin was seen celebrating with a smirk on his face, and the video of the same went viral.
See here:
Unfortunately, despite 73 by James Vince and 24 by Sanjay Krishnamurthi, the Dublin team only managed 160/8 in 20 overs and lost the game by 9 runs.
Under Ashwin, Guardians are yet to win a game in the ETPL 2026, losing all five games they’ve played. Edinburgh Castle Rockers are at the top of the points table with 4 wins from 5 games and 9 points to their name.
