Axar Patel out of T20 World Cup 2024 final.© X (Twitter)
Axar Patel missed out on a half-century in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup as he was bowled out on 47. After a good hand with the bat, Axar was caught off guard at the non-striker’s end during the final against South Africa. The delivery had deviated off Virat Kohli’s thigh pad towards the leg side, making Axar think there was a run when there wasn’t. However, Axar was slow to return to his crease in time, and a direct hit from South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock left Axar stranded outside his wicket.
Watch: Axar Patel’s career
Axar, who came in to bat at 3/34 after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav, did his job. He not only increased the pace but also took the pressure off Virat Kohli and steadied India’s innings.
Just like in the match against Pakistan, Axar made a tremendous contribution with the bat after being sent in to bat early.
Axar’s innings was riddled with four sixes and a solitary boundary as he scored 47 off just 31 balls. His dismissal left India at 106/4 after 13.3 overs. He was replaced at the crease by fellow left-hander Shivam Dube.
India captain Rohit Sharma was not impressed by the soft nature of Axar’s outing.
Virat Kohli was able to play an anchoring role in the early and middle overs, while Axar made quick progress at the other end. Kohli was able to reach his fifty in 48 balls in the 17th over, before accelerating towards the end.
India are chasing a second T20 World Cup title, after winning it for the first time in 2007. They will face an upbeat Proteas side, who are seeking their maiden T20 World Cup title and are also playing in the final for the first time.
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