Axar Patel delivered a crucial breakthrough for Team India in the third ODI against England, dismissing the prolific Joe Root at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match, considered a dead rubber with India already sealing the series, still carried significance for both teams aiming to end the contest on a high note.
Axar, who had been in fine touch with the bat throughout the series, had struggled to make an impact with the ball. However, in the 21st over of England’s innings, he turned the game in India’s favour by removing their most dependable batter. Root, who had been England’s anchor in the series, misread the flight and length of Axar’s delivery.
Expecting some away turn, he played down the wrong line, only to get an inside edge that sent the ball crashing into the stumps. It was a huge blow for England, as Root, dismissed for just 24 off 29 balls, was their best hope in the chase.
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The early loss of their star batter put England on the back foot, especially after their defeat in the second ODI, which had already cost them the series. Despite the setback, some English batters had delivered standout performances in the series. Root himself had played a key role in the previous match, scoring a well-crafted 69 off 72 balls while stitching together a vital 66-run stand with Harry Brook.
Chopped 🔛
Axar Patel gets Joe Root out!
England 4⃣ down
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Ben Duckett was another bright spot for England, scoring an aggressive 65 off 56 balls, giving his team a strong start. His fearless stroke play had put India’s bowlers under pressure early on, setting the tone for a competitive total.
Liam Livingstone, England’s hard-hitting all-rounder, contributed with both bat and ball. He added 41 crucial runs at the death, ensuring England crossed the 300-run mark. He also managed to dismiss Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who was in sublime form, having scored a magnificent century.
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Among the bowlers, Jamie Overton was England’s standout performer, picking up key wickets of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul while conceding just 27 runs. However, he lacked support from the rest of the attack, as Gus Atkinson and Adil Rashid struggled with expensive spells, leaking runs at over seven per over. With India in control after Root’s dismissal, the hosts aimed to close out the game and complete a commanding 3-0 series sweep.
