Axar Patel’s one-handed catch amazed the cricket community and on-air commentators alike during the IND vs AUS T20 World Cup match.
Axar Patel delivered a stunning performance on the boundary, making one of the top catches of the T20 World Cup 2024 during India’s Super 8 match against Australia in St Lucia on Monday, June 24.
The Delhi Capitals star’s one-handed grab amazed the cricket community and on-air commentators alike, providing India with a vital breakthrough in a tense match at the Darren Sammy International Cricket Stadium.
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Stationed at the deep mid-wicket boundary, Patel executed a perfectly timed dive to intercept a powerful shot from Mitchell Marsh, who had struck a half-tracker from Kuldeep Yadav with significant force. The ball was traveling quickly, but Patel managed to snatch it from the air with his weaker hand. He extended his right hand mid-air and caught the ball, leaving Marsh stunned as he was well on his way to a rapid fifty.
This crucial intervention broke an 81-run partnership between Marsh and Travis Head, who were building a potentially dangerous stand for Australia. India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, who was positioned just behind Patel, witnessed the all-rounder’s incredible effort from close quarters.
The catch, made on the final delivery of the 9th over, disrupted Australia’s plans to head into the break with a strong partnership. Patel’s remarkable effort provided a much-needed relief for the Indian bowlers.
Charged with adrenaline after the catch, Axar Patel was swarmed by his ecstatic teammates. He later claimed the important wicket of Marcus Stoinis, as India sought to contain Australia’s aggressive batting, even as Travis Head continued to hit big shots.
Earlier, India had set a formidable target of 205 runs in 20 overs—the highest T20I score against Australia in men’s T20 World Cups. Rohit Sharma led the charge with a blistering 92 off 41 balls, including 8 sixes and 7 boundaries, narrowly missing a century. Suryakumar Yadav contributed with 31 off 14 balls, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube each made crucial 30s to help India post a commanding total.