It was one moment of magic that changed the entire course of game with Axar Patel pulling off a one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh. They say catches win you matches. On Monday, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, it was one single catch by Axar Patel that probably won India the game in the Super Eight clash against Australia and make the semifinals of the T20 World Cup for the second time in a row.
Axar Patel’s blinder of a catch changed the course for India vs Australia.
In the might chase of 206, with the semifinal spot at stake, Australia did incur an early blow as David Warner departed for just six runs in the opening over. But the Aussies bounced back in stunning fashion with captain Mitchell Marsh ably assisting Travis Head to script an 81-run stand in just 48 balls, providing them the perfect platform to build towards the big chase.
However, it was one moment of magic that changed the entire course of game with Axar Patel pulling off a one-handed stunner to dismiss Marsh. It happened in the final ball of the ninth over when the right-handed rocked back to pull the length ball from Kuldeep Yadav behind square.
While it seemed destined for another boundary for Australia, Axar, stationed at deep mid-wicket, “perfectly timed” his jump, as put together by former India head coach Ravi Shastri on-air, to pluck a hand, and it stuck. It was also his non-dominant right hand. India had dropped Marsh twice before, and it took a stunner to dismiss him.
However, raising concerns is form of ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been overshadowed by Axar Patel, leading to the former player’s place in T20Is hotly debated. Former Indian cricketer now commentator Aakash Chopra appreciates Axar Patel’s all round performances in 2024 T20 World Cup .
Aakash Chopra appreciates Axar Patel’s all round performances in 2024 T20 World Cup
Aakash Chopra pointed out how Team India’s Axar Patel has chipped in with impactful performances at the 2024 T20 World Cup, which have gone under the radar. Chopra’s comments came after India secured a 24-run win against Australia in their Super Eight encounter.
Axar did an impressive job with the ball in India’s final Super Eight match against the Aussies at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on Monday, June 24. The left-arm spinner picked up the crucial wicket of Marcus Stoinis and conceded just 21 runs from his three overs.
Apart from the tidy spell, Axar also shone in the field, taking a spectacular one-handed catch at the boundary to dismiss Mitchell Marsh (37 off 28). Highlighting the 30-year-old’s contributions in the ongoing showpiece event, Aakash Chopra wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“An unbelievable catch. A timely wicket. Economical too. Axar Patel’s contributions don’t get the same sort of attention…but have made the difference in clutch games. Vs Pak. Vs Aus. Well played, Bapu.”
India beat Australia by 24 runs, successfully defending a 206-run target. With this victory, the Men in Blue booked their spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals. It is worth mentioning that Axar Patel was promoted to No. 4 in India’s group-stage match against Pakistan. He steadied the ship for his team following a shaky start with a 20-run knock on a challenging pitch.
Aakash Chopra on Kuldeep Yadav’s resurgence
Aakash Chopra also reserved high praise for India’s left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He lauded the bowler for staging a stunning comeback after losing his place in the national team.
The cricketer-turned-commentator also recalled how Kuldeep was left in tears after being taken to the cleaners by Moen Ali in the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League. Hailing the spinner as an asset across formats, Aakash Chopra wrote:
“The Rise and Rise of Kuldeep Yadav. An asset across formats. From having tears in his eyes in an IPL game…warming the bench for most of the season. Dropped from the Indian team in all formats. To a wicket-taker par excellence.”
Kuldeep was benched on the seam-friendly pitches in the United States of America (USA) in the group stage. He was added to the lineup for the Super 8 round, where he did a commendable job, bagging seven wickets from three outings. India will take on England in the second semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The knockout game will be played at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.