Axar Patel shared his thought process behind Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out during India’s 2025 Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on February 23. The all-rounder executed a brilliant direct hit from close range, catching Imam short while attempting a quick single.
India had the upper hand after Hardik Pandya removed Babar Azam late in the powerplay. Imam, looking to stabilize the innings, stepped down to hit Kuldeep Yadav towards mid-on and called for a run. However, Axar anticipated the move, quickly gathered the ball, and delivered a pinpoint throw to the stumps, sealing the dismissal.
“The ball before I was visualizing that he may look for such a single, and I can pull off a direct hit. I was a few steps behind initially, but charged in.”
”The movement was same as I expected and I was able to make a direct hit. After it happened, I told myself that it was good that I visualized the ball before, so I was prepared for it,” Axar Patel told ICC after the match.
Playing his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup, Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for 10 off 26 balls.
“He consistently stepped out to take quick singles against spinners”- Axar Patel on Imam-ul-Haq
Axar Patel shared that he had predicted Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out, noting the batter’s habit of stepping out against spinners for quick singles. Imam has been run out six times in ODIs, last occurring in the 2023 Asia Cup against Nepal in Multan.
“When I came onto bowl in the powerplay, he had taken a single through mid-off where Harshit Rana was fielding. So, I thought that it must be in his plans, and whatever videos I had seen of him, he was always stepping out to take quick singles against spinners,” Axar added.
Axar has been a key contributor for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, excelling both in the field and with the ball. He has maintained an economy of 4.84, taking three wickets in two matches.
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