Veteran South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock took benefit of Axar Patel‘s mistake in recognition to deliver an excellent direct hit from distance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. This resulted in the all-rounder being run out for a vital 47 runs at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.
Team India increased momentum within the middle overs to a partnership among Virat Kohli and Axar Patel. Patel took the competitive position at the same time as Kohli secured the innings from the other end.
After the drinks break, the left-handed Patel shifted gears, hitting a splendid six off Kagiso Rabada to start the 14th over. On the third ball of the over, Kohli missed a delivery aimed at his body. The ball rolled towards Quinton de Kock, and Patel, attempting to snatch a quick single, was caught halfway down the pitch.
However, the seasoned wicketkeeper swiftly gathered the ball and immediately threw it with his non-dominant hand to the unguarded non-striker’s end. Quinton de Kock had a clear shot at the stumps since Rabada was far from the crease in his follow-through.
Axar Patel, caught off guard by the wicketkeeper’s throw, hesitated in the middle of the pitch before attempting to return to his crease. The direct hit was accurate, leaving Axar’s extended bat well short of the line.
Axar Patel’s vital innings featured one boundary and four sixes, boasting a strike rate of 151.61.
Team India strive to finish strong in the final overs after Axar Patel’s dismissal
The Men in Blue found themselves at 106/4 in the 14th over after Axar Patel was dismissed. Shivam Dube came in next as they urgently needed a final push to boost the score.
At the time of writing, India stands at 134/4 after 17 overs, with Virat Kohli achieving his first fifty of the tournament. With spin no longer a factor, the Proteas are now set to challenge the Indian batsmen with their pace attack.
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