Axar Patel’s remarkable innings in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa came to an unfortunate end with a run-out. The all-rounder was dismissed for a well-crafted 47 runs, falling short due to a lapse in judgment and a sharp play by the South African wicketkeeper, Quinton de Kock. Axar had walked in to bat in the fifth over when India was in deep trouble, having lost three wickets in the powerplay.
The match began with Rohit Sharma winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, India’s top order crumbled early. Keshav Maharaj delivered a game-changing second over, dismissing the in-form Rohit for 9 and then Rishabh Pant for a 2-ball duck.
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The quick wickets put South Africa firmly in control, leaving India struggling at 34/3 after Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for just 3 runs by Kagiso Rabada. Amidst the chaos, Axar Patel joined Virat Kohli at the crease. The duo worked to stabilize the innings, blending cautious defense with calculated aggression.
Axar’s ability to find the boundary with occasional sixes kept India’s hopes alive for a competitive total, while Kohli played a supportive role, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. Their partnership took India past the 100-run mark, bringing a semblance of recovery to the innings.
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The turning point came in the 14th over, bowled by Rabada. On the third delivery, Rabada aimed one down the leg side, which Kohli failed to connect with. The ball struck his thigh pad and deflected to the left of de Kock. Sensing an opportunity for a quick single, Axar stepped out of his crease at the non-striker’s end, but Kohli wasn’t interested in the run. Realizing this, Axar attempted to return but did so leisurely, not anticipating de Kock’s quick reaction.
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Quinton de Kock, noticing Axar out of his crease, swiftly threw the ball at the stumps at the non-striker’s end. His accurate throw hit the target, catching Axar short and ending his valiant innings. This dismissal was a significant blow to India’s momentum, highlighting both Axar’s critical role and the sharp fielding by the South African team.
