Axar Patel’s Player-of-the-Match performance in India’s T20 World Cup semi-final win against England wasn’t about flashy deliveries or breakneck pace. Instead, it was a masterclass in exploiting the pitch conditions and adapting his bowling to the situation.
Reading the pitch and Rohit Sharma insights
With a tricky pitch offering low bounce and inconsistent spin, Axar Patel, upon receiving the ball in the fourth over, knew brute force wouldn’t be the answer. Insights from captain Rohit Sharma, who highlighted the difficulty in hitting big shots, further solidified Axar’s approach.
Axar Patel: Accuracy over Audacity
Axar Patel’s strategy was refreshingly straightforward. He aimed for pinpoint accuracy, bowling within good areas and exploiting the pitch’s behavior. He knew that attempting “extraordinary” deliveries might backfire, so he focused on making life difficult for the English batsmen.
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First delivery magic
Axar’s plan paid immediate dividends. His very first delivery, a simple delivery to Jos Buttler, resulted in a dismissal thanks to a well-judged reverse sweep gone wrong.
This early wicket set the tone, and Axar followed it up by dismissing Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali in quick succession, leaving England reeling at 46/4. He finished his spell with impressive figures of 3 for 23, effectively derailing England’s chase.
Adapting to batters’ mindset
Axar Patel’s cricketing nous extended beyond his bowling. Having batted himself in the death overs, he observed England’s bowlers resorting to slower deliveries. This observation allowed him to translate his batting experience into his bowling strategy, further stifling the English batsmen’s scoring opportunities.
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Exploiting England vulnerability
Axar Patel recognized England’s vulnerability against spin on a challenging pitch. He understood that the batsmen, particularly the openers, would be looking to capitalize on the powerplay overs. By making it difficult to play big shots or execute sweeps effectively, Axar forced England into unfamiliar territory, leading to their downfall.
Axar Patel’s performance serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most effective strategies are the simplest ones. By reading the pitch, adapting to the situation, and exploiting the opposition’s weaknesses, Axar played a pivotal role in securing India’s place in the T20 World Cup final.
