Axar Patel in Action against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2024 Final | Source: X.com
Indian all-rounder Axar Patel continued his stellar form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, playing a crucial knock in the high-pressure final against South Africa.
With India in a spot of bother after losing three early wickets, Axar Patel stepped up to the challenge, hammering a vital 47 runs off just 31 balls at a batting track of Barbados.
Axar Patel’s innings came at a critical juncture, providing much-needed stability alongside the experienced Virat Kohli.
The duo stitched together a crucial 71-run partnership, with Kohli anchoring the innings with a well-constructed 76 off 59 deliveries.
Unfortunately, Axar Patel’s dismissal via an unfortunate run-out halted the team’s momentum. However, a late cameo from Shivam Dube (27 runs off 16 balls) propelled India to a competitive total of 176 runs.
Notably, Axar Patel was instrumental in India’s semifinal win over England, claiming a crucial three-wicket haul to dismantle their batting line-up. He was the only one who cleaned up the threatening Jos Buttler.
Impressed by Patel’s impactful performance in the final, Indian veteran Ravichandran Ashwin took to social media to praise the all-rounder. In a post dedicated to Patel, Ashwin wrote:
“Axar Patel mama! Hold your head up, this could be trophy defining.”
Whether Axar Patel’s knock proves to be match-defining remains to be seen. However, South Africa will undoubtedly be under immense pressure chasing a daunting target.
