Team India opener Abhishek Sharma took a comfortable catch to help Axar Patel dismiss Finn Allen during the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30. Allen’s wicket came at a crucial stage, leaving the hosts at 93/3 after eight overs and ending an important partnership with Glenn Phillips.
Allen had looked in excellent touch before Axar brought his aggressive innings to an end. The New Zealand opener smashed a boundary and two sixes in the over, taking 17 runs off the first five deliveries. However, Axar showed excellent awareness under pressure and changed his approach for the final ball.
Anticipating another big shot, the left-arm spinner bowled a quicker and flatter delivery well outside off-stump. Allen moved back in his crease and attempted to clear extra cover but could only manage a thick top edge. The ball went high towards deep extra cover, where Abhishek positioned himself perfectly to complete a safe catch just inside the boundary.
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The dismissal ended a valuable 59-run stand between Allen and Phillips, which had helped New Zealand recover after losing two early wickets at 34.
Axar Patel gets the better of Finn Allen this time! A big wicket, a bigger roar! 🔥
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India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl, continuing New Zealand’s trend of batting first in all four matches of the series.
India made an early impact through Mayank Yadav, who replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the playing XI. Mayank first dismissed Tim Seifert for three, with Prince Yadav completing the catch. He then trapped Daryl Mitchell LBW for 24 off just nine deliveries, despite being hit for two sixes and two fours earlier in the over.
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Phillips remained New Zealand’s key batter, scoring 26 off 14 balls during the powerplay. He was unbeaten on 32 when Allen departed, as the hosts reached 109/3 after 10 overs.
