In the third T20I between South Africa and India at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Axar Patel provided one of the standout moments of the match, taking a sensational catch to dismiss South Africa’s middle-order batter, David Miller. This moment proved to be one of the game-changers in the match.
A game-changing moment: Axar Patel’s stunning catch
The key moment came in the 16th over of South Africa’s chase, when Hardik Pandya bowled a short delivery to Miller. Miller, looking to accelerate the scoring, launched into a powerful pull shot that seemed destined for a six. However, Axar had other plans. Leaping high into the air, he clung onto the ball overhead in a brilliant display of athleticism and concentration, making a stunning catch that left the crowd in awe. Miller, starting to look dangerous, departed for 18 off 18 balls, and his dismissal seemed to shift the momentum in India’s favour.
Here is the video:
What a grab axar game changing moment kudos to axar Patel#indvssat20 #AxarPatel pic.twitter.com/5FxCRAYOCb
— Kiran kumar (@Kirankumar324) November 13, 2024
It wasn’t just his fielding that stood out for Axar with the ball, he also played an instrumental role in India’s victory. The all-rounder made a significant contribution by dismissing Tristan Stubbs, the Player of the Match in the previous T20I. Stubbs, who had been a key figure for South Africa, was sent packing by Axar, and his wicket proved to be one of the most crucial in India’s eventual win. Axar’s all-round performance, combining a stunning catch with a vital wicket, was a defining factor in India’s success on the night.
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India takes a 2-1 lead in the four-match series over South Africa
Earlier in the game, India were asked to bat first in the game, and they set a massive target for South Africa. Scoring a commanding 219/6 in their 20 overs, India’s innings was anchored by an exceptional knock from Tilak Varma. The young batter played a blistering innings of 107* off just 56 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes. Varma’s fireworks at the crease were the backbone of India’s total, and his innings proved to be one of the highlights of the match.
Chasing a mammoth target of 220, South Africa fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, finishing their innings at 208/7. Marco Jansen played a blazing knock, scoring 54 off just 17 balls with a monstrous strike rate of 317.65, however, Jansen’s efforts weren’t enough, and he was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh, who was India’s highest wicket-taker with 3 wickets on the night. Despite Jansen’s heroics, the required run rate proved too much for South Africa, and they lost the match by 11 runs, with this victory, India gained a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.