Indian spinner Axar Patel had a whirlwind of emotions during his Champions Trophy debut against Bangladesh in Dubai. From the elation of taking two consecutive wickets to the heartbreak of missing out on a hat-trick due to Rohit Sharma’s dropped catch, Patel experienced a roller-coaster over in India’s dominant bowling performance.
With Bangladesh already struggling at three down, Patel was introduced into the attack in the ninth over. He struck immediately, getting Tanzid Hasan to edge behind to KL Rahul, who convinced the umpire with a confident appeal. Initially unsure about the dismissal, Patel stood motionless until the replay confirmed the faint deflection, leading to Hasan’s departure.
On the very next delivery, Patel produced another sharp turner, inducing an outside edge from Mushfiqur Rahim. This time, the edge was clear, and Rahul completed another catch behind the stumps, sending Bangladesh into deeper trouble. Patel stood on the brink of a dream hat-trick.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma’s Heartwarming Gesture: Ties Jaker Ali’s Shoe Laces During Champions Trophy Clash
His third delivery found another thick edge, this time from Jaker Ali, flying straight to Rohit Sharma at first slip. Positioned perfectly with both hands to the ball, the Indian skipper shockingly spilt the catch. Patel had already begun celebrating before realizing Rohit had dropped it, visibly frustrated as he slammed the ground in disbelief. Jaker made the most of the reprieve, going on to score 68 off 114 balls in Bangladesh’s total of 228.
View this post on Instagram
Speaking at the mid-innings break, Axar Patel summed up the chaotic moment. “Bohot kuch ho gaya (A lot happened),” he said. “I wasn’t sure about Tanzid’s wicket, but KL appealed confidently, and it was given. Then Mushfiqur got out, and I was on a hat-trick. When Jaker edged the third ball, I thought I had it. I even started celebrating, but then I saw Rohit drop it. I didn’t react and just moved on—it’s part of the game. The wicket got easier to bat on later, but I think we have an easy total to chase.”
WATCH – Hardik Pandya’s Costly Drop Hands Jaker Ali A Lifeline In Champions Trophy 2025
Patel narrowly missed the chance to become the first Indian to take a hat-trick in Champions Trophy history. However, Jaker was eventually dismissed by Mohammed Shami, who claimed his 200th ODI wicket. Virat Kohli took the catch, equaling Mohammad Azharuddin’s record for most catches by an Indian in ODIs.
