T20 World Cup 2024 Final: Axar Patel shines with the bat, helping India break their World Cup drought

Axar Patel shines with the bat, helping India break their World Cup drought

Years from now, when discussions turn to the 2024 T20 World Cup final, which India won against South Africa, Virat Kohli’s 76, Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional spell with both the new and old ball and Hardik Pandya’s final over will undoubtedly be the highlights.
But amid these accolades, Axar Patel’s crucial knock should not be overlooked.

Following the loss of three wickets for 34 runs in the PowerPlay, Axar Patel shines with the bat, helping India break their World Cup drought A

xar was promoted up the order as a circuit-breaker. His 47 off 31 balls ended up perfectly complementing Kohli’s innings of 76. Jadeja’s quick cameo towards the end provided the final flourish as India posted a competitive total of 289 for 7 on the board. The bowlers then backed up the good work with disciplined bowling, restricting the opposition to 250 all out in their allotted 50 overs. With this victory, India now sits comfortably at the top of the points table, bolstering their chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the tournament.

While Kohli masterfully accumulated runs through singles and doubles, patiently waiting for opportunities to hit boundaries, Axar provided the necessary aggression. As the innings progressed, Axar’s powerful hitting complemented Kohli’s calculated approach perfectly, putting the opposition on the back foot. The duo’s combination of finesse and force propelled their team towards a commanding position in the match.

READ: Virat Kohli announces retirement from T20I cricket after India beats South Africa in T20 World Cup 2024 final Virat Kohli’s retirement from T20I cricket sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. His contributions to the Indian team over the years had been immense, and his presence on the field always felt like a force to be reckoned with. As he bid farewell to the shortest format of the game, fans everywhere reflected on his illustrious career, filled with memorable innings, remarkable victories, and an unwavering passion for the sport. Cheers of both celebration and nostalgia filled the air, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket.

He took on Aiden Markram’s off-spin in the eighth over, slog-sweeping it over deep midwicket for India’s first six of the innings. Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach was evident as he continued to put pressure on the bowlers with his calculated shot-making. Rohit’s elegant footwork and pristine timing allowed him to dispatch the ball to the boundary with confidence. He seemed determined to assert his dominance, effortlessly controlling the game’s tempo with his commanding presence at the crease. Each stroke displayed his masterful understanding of the game, showcasing his prowess as a true cricketing maestro.

He then hit a maximum off Keshav Maharaj in the next over, who was spinning the ball into him, and another off Tabraiz Shamsi in the 12th over. The highlight of his innings was a lofted straight drive off the first ball of Kagiso Rabada’s new spell in the 14th over, sending it 85 meters over long-on The crowd erupted in cheers as the ball sailed effortlessly over the boundary line, leaving the fielders with no chance but to watch it disappear into the stands. The batsman’s form was impeccable, each shot calculated and executed with precision. It was a display of mastery, a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. As the innings unfolded, it became clear that he was in a league of his own, a maestro orchestrating a symphony of strokes. The opposition could only look on in awe, realizing they were up against a player at the peak of his powers.