Axar Patel falls victim to ‘unlucky’ run-out (Screengrab)
NEW DELHI: Team India all-rounder Axar Patel became a victim of an unfortunate run-out, adding to India’s struggles during the second T20I between South Africa and India.
The incident took place in the second last ball of the 12th over when Hardik Pandya firmly struck the ball straight back towards South African bowler Nqabayomzi Peter.
The ball barely grazed Peter’s fingertips but still managed to redirect just enough to shatter the stumps at the non-striker’s end, catching Axar well outside his crease and ending his innings abruptly.
Axar, who had been promoted to no. 5, was looking steady with a fluent 27 off 21 balls.
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He was building a partnership with Pandya to help stabilize India’s innings after the early dismissals. His knock included four 4s and displayed a solid strike rate, giving India a brief glimmer of hope to put up a respectable score.
However, the run-out shifted the momentum firmly in South Africa’s favour, marking India’s fifth wicket at just 70 runs in 11.5 overs.
South Africa’s decision to bowl first had paid off handsomely, with India already struggling against a sharp Proteas bowling attack led by Marco Jansen, who dismantled the top order early on.
The team’s consistent pressure meant that India faced significant obstacles, and Axar’s dismissal added yet another blow.
India will need to regroup to counter South Africa’s relentless bowling strategies.
That said, the run-out encapsulated the uphill battle India faced throughout the innings, with their score at 86/5 at the end of 15 overs and limited resources left in their arsenal.
