IND vs SA: While Kohli skillfully built his innings with singles and doubles, waiting for boundary opportunities, Axar brought the needed aggression. Years from now, discussions about the 2024 T20 World Cup final, which India won against South Africa, will highlight Virat Kohli’s 76, Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant bowling with both the new and old ball, and Hardik Pandya’s decisive final over. Amid these accolades, Axar Patel’s vital knock should not be forgotten.
After India lost three wickets for 34 runs in the PowerPlay, Axar was promoted up the order to break the momentum. His 47 off 31 balls complemented Kohli’s 76 perfectly.
T20 World Cup 2024 Final Highlights
While Kohli skillfully built his innings with singles and doubles, waiting for boundary opportunities, Axar brought the needed aggression.
In the eighth over, he took on Aiden Markram’s off-spin, slog-sweeping it over deep midwicket for India’s first six of the innings.
He hit another six off Keshav Maharaj in the next over, followed by one off Tabraiz Shamsi in the 12th over. The highlight of his innings was a lofted straight drive off Kagiso Rabada’s first ball in the 14th over, sending it 85 meters over long-on.
His promotion up the order was well-justified by this shot, which showcased immense skill.
It means everything to me. Coming into this World Cup, after being injured over the last few years, I wanted to do something great for India.
I’m trying to keep it simple. I just think of it as another match. For Rohit Sharma, he’s an incredible leader, guiding India to a fantastic World Cup,” Axar said post-match. “We were instructed to simply do our best. I didn’t expect to be promoted up the order,” he added.
Axar’s performance also set the stage for India’s big hitters, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya.
Dube, who had struggled earlier, contributed a crucial 27 off 16 balls. Axar entered the game in the fifth over and remained at the crease until the 14th.
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