During their semi-final victory over England on Thursday, India put some forgettable fielding moments from this year’s T20 World Cup behind them as Axar Patel’s outstanding performance reminded his teammates of their caliber.
Before the game at the Wankhede Stadium, the reigning champions had dropped 13 catches, the most of any team in this year’s competition. However, Axar was the only player to raise the bar and change the momentum in their seven-run victory.
When England captain Harry Brook attempted to hit pacer Jasprit Bumrah over extra cover, Axar’s first incredible moment occurred as he ran back with the ball falling over his shoulder to finish a breathtaking catch in the fifth over.
Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks increased their run rate in their chase of 254, but with a relay catch on the edge of the boundary, Axar stopped England’s momentum. Jacks was dismissed, and the spectators erupted in cheering applause.
After sprinting in the direction of the ropes, Axar collected the ball, but realizing that his momentum would carry him over, he flicked it into Shivam Dube’s hands in mid-air to finish the dismissal.
“The momentum of both the catches was different. I liked the way I caught Harry Brook. It was a tough one. But considering the situation of the game, Will Jacks’ catch was very important. I felt the ball was chasing me today,” Reuters quoted Axar as saying.
The 32-year-old has made a compelling case for selection in Sunday’s final against New Zealand after forcing his way back into the squad after missing games against the Netherlands and South Africa when India selected Washington Sundar.
In the Ahmedabad final, India will aim to win a record second consecutive T20 title, and Axar, who has scored 16 runs and taken eight wickets in six games, would have extra motivation if selected.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment. It’ll be a proud moment to play at home in front of my family,” he said.
India posted 253/7 thanks to Sanju Samson’s 89 at the top of the order.
“Credit goes to him. He has carried forward the confidence from his last knock and experience matters in such pressure situations. He batted quite easily and wasn’t rushing into anything,” Axar said.
