During the second T20I against Afghanistan at Holkar Stadium on January 14, Team India all-rounder Axar Patel reached the milestone of 200 wickets in the T20 format. The 29-year-old left-arm spinner secured figures of 2/17 in four overs, dismissing Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran (8) and ending Gulbadin Naib’s notable innings at 57 off 35 balls.
Naib’s dismissal marked Axar’s 200th T20 wicket. With 234 T20 appearances, he has an average of 27.95, an economy rate of 6.97, and a best performance of 4/21. Axar was named Player of the Match in India’s six-wicket victory.
In addition to taking 200 wickets, Axar has accumulated 2,545 runs in T20s, boasting an average of 22.52 and a strike rate of 134.65. This feat includes five half-centuries, and his highest score is 70.
Consequently, he joins Ravindra Jadeja as the second Indian to achieve the dual milestone of 200 wickets and 2,000 runs in T20 cricket. Jadeja, with 305 appearances, participated in 310 T20 matches, securing 216 wickets at an average of 29.87 and an economy rate of 7.57, achieving a best of 5/16.
Batting-wise, he accumulated 3,382 runs with an average of 25.42 and a strike rate of 129.33. This includes two half-centuries, and his highest score is an unbeaten 62.
Axar Patel’s outstanding performance with the ball limits Afghanistan to a score of 172 in the second T20I
Axar Patel emerged as the standout bowler for India in the second T20I against Afghanistan, securing two wickets in four overs with an economical figure of 17 runs. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh contributed with 3/32, and Ravi Bishnoi took 2/39, collectively restricting Afghanistan to a total of 172.
In the chase, the Men in Blue successfully reached the target in 15.4 overs, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive 68 off 34 and an unbeaten 63 off 32 from Shivam Dube. After being honoured as the Player of the Match, Axar played down the significance of reaching 200 T20 wickets, expressing his focus on consistent performances for the country.
“Feels good, I just realized that I have got 200 T20 wickets. But what is important to keep doing well for India, honestly a few years later I won’t remember how many wickets I took. I have been trying to bowl a bit slower, vary my lengths and now I have been to gauge these things better. Now I have the confidence to bowl at all times, even in the powerplay,” the all-rounder said.
The third T20I between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, January 17.
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