Indian all-rounder Axar Patel finally crossed the three-figure mark in List A cricket, registering his maiden century during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match between Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Remarkably, the milestone came 14 years after his List A debut, making the achievement even more special for the seasoned campaigner.
Despite being known primarily for his bowling and lower-order contributions, Axar showcased his batting depth and composure with a memorable knock that anchored Gujarat’s innings.
Gritty Knock Rescues Gujarat from Early Collapse
Asked to bat first, Gujarat found themselves in serious trouble early on, slipping to 29 for 3 in the opening phase of the match. Axar Patel then stepped in to steady the innings, combining calm shot selection with calculated aggression. He initially added 51 runs for the fourth wicket alongside Jaymeet Patel, preventing further damage. As wickets continued to fall at the other end, Axar took greater responsibility and later stitched together a crucial 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Vishal Jayswal.
His innings of 130 runs came off 98 deliveries, decorated with nine boundaries and two sixes, reflecting both control and intent. Though he was eventually dismissed by M. Anjaneyelu, his knock laid a solid foundation for Gujarat to post a competitive 318 for 9.
A Long-Awaited Milestone in a Decorated Career
Before this innings, Axar Patel had endured a curious batting statistic in List A cricket — 12 half-centuries without a hundred, with a previous best of 98 not out. This century finally erased that anomaly in his 171st List A match, which includes 71 One Day Internationals for India. At 31, Axar continues to evolve as a reliable all-rounder across formats.
Recently named vice-captain of India’s T20 World Cup squad, his strong domestic form may also strengthen his case for future ODI selections. While he was not part of the most recent ODI series against South Africa, performances like this underline his value as a dependable match-winner with both bat and ball.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
