India produced a moment of brilliance in the field during the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Axar Patel pulled off a sensational catch to dismiss Harry Brook in the high-stakes clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday (March 5). After being asked to bat first, India piled up a daunting 253/7 in their 20 overs, putting immense pressure on the England national cricket team in the semifinal chase.
England’s hopes largely rested on their in-form captain Harry Brook, who walked in at No.3 following the early dismissal of opener Phil Salt. However, Brook’s stay at the crease turned out to be short-lived thanks to a brilliant piece of fielding from Axar Patel. On the very first ball of the fifth over, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah deceived Brook with a clever slower delivery.
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The England skipper backed away to create room and attempted to loft the ball over the cover region. The shot, however, didn’t come off as intended. Brook mistimed the stroke, sending the ball high into the air. Positioned inside the circle, Axar showed exceptional awareness and athleticism as he sprinted nearly 24 meters backwards while keeping his eyes firmly on the ball. Just when it seemed the ball might drop safely, the all-rounder dived forward and completed a stunning two-handed catch.
“Bapu tari fielding kamal che!” 🔥
Out of words for that sensational catch by Axar Patel to end Harry Brook’s stay at the crease! 👏
Catch of the tournament? 🤔
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | Semi-final 2 | #INDvENG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/L2OuYBUDbL pic.twitter.com/qFwnou3pCo
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 5, 2026
The spectacular effort sent the Indian players into celebration as Brook was forced to depart for just seven runs off six balls. Considering Brook’s form in the tournament, his early dismissal proved to be a massive breakthrough for India.
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Brook had been England’s most consistent batter in the tournament, having earlier registered a century and accumulating 235 runs in eight matches at an impressive strike rate of nearly 160. His wicket left England under immediate pressure in what was already a daunting chase.
India tightened their grip further when Jos Buttler also fell soon after, leaving England at 68/3 by the end of the powerplay. With a steep target on the board, England needed a major partnership to keep their hopes alive, while India looked determined to keep striking at regular intervals.
