Cricket

T20 World Cup 2024: I didn’t want to give the ball to him in his range – Axar Patel reveals bowling plan against Imad Wasim

India’s all-rounder Axar Patel has revealed his plan was not to bowl in Imad Wasim’s arc after their six-run win against Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Sunday. Patel said he wanted the left-hander to play the cut shot and set the field accordingly.

The left-arm orthodox spinner conceded only two runs in the 16th over as he bowled three dots against Imad Wasim. Pakistan’s southpaw was dismissed after meandering to 15 runs from 23 balls.

Patel registered impressive figures of 1-11 in the two overs he bowled against the arch-rivals. 

“The plan was just that I didn’t want to give the ball to him in his range and get hit for a six at deep mid-wicket because the wind direction was that side too,” Patel said in an interview with BCCI. 

“I spoke to the captain, Rohit (Sharma) bhai, to give me 2 point fielders, and a sweeper fielder ready for the cut shot as well and I’ll bowl him for the cut shot. [I thought] if he hits a cut or hits one through covers that’s okay because it’s a very difficult shot. I executed it well, the over went well and the runs difference increased,” Axar explained.

Meanwhile, Patel was promoted to number four after India lost both their openers cheaply. The left-hander scored a crucial cameo of 20 runs from 18 balls with the help of two fours and one six. Patel revealed Pant calmed him in the center by not talking much about cricket.

“There was no chance to plan when I got to know I was going at number four!” Axar told BCCI. “It was easy for me because our captain sahab (Rishabh) wasn’t saying anything about cricket and was just having a bit of fun to make me feel easy while telling a few things [about the game] here and there after every ball. So while talking I also felt a bit easy that everything’s going alright.”

Pant, who top-scored with 42 off 31 balls, said Patel played a vital knock and made him comfortable and the IPL bonhomie helped them.

“There was nothing much on my mind, I was just planning to keep it simple with a positive mindset because India-Pakistan is always a high-pressure game,” the keeper-batter said. “Then, when Bapu came in – I think he has practiced batting at No. 3,4 all IPL (laughs) – when your mate is with you, you get comfortable. We were speaking to each other, being comfortable, and not thinking much about the situation.”

India will next take on the USA at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Wednesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Michael Vaughan feels India will miss previous tours’ ‘snarl’ to take down Australia in Border-Gavaskar series

Former England captain Michael Vaughan reckons India will miss the previous tours’ aggressive captaincy of… Read More

November 22, 2024

Deep Dasgupta wants Virat Kohli to play with ‘combative mindset’ against Australia in Border-Gavaskar series

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Deep Dasgupta has urged Virat Kohli to play with an aggressive… Read More

November 22, 2024

Michael Hussey surprised after Ashwin-Jadeja’s omission in 1st AUS vs IND 2024 Test

Former Australian batter Michael Hussey has shared his surprise after Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja… Read More

November 22, 2024

Cheteshwar Pujara backs ‘experienced’ Virat Kohli to play important role in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed experienced Virat Kohli to play a key role in… Read More

November 22, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar questions Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection, says all-rounder lacks first-class experience

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection in the opening Test match against… Read More

November 22, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar backs under-fire KL Rahul to find success in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has put his weight behind under-fire KL Rahul to savour success in… Read More

November 22, 2024