NEW DELHI: After India's exhilarating six-run triumph over Australia in the fifth T20I at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, spinner Axar Patel expressed satisfaction in finding his rhythm during the match.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Axar, who returned figures of 1 for 14 in 4 overs, highlighted the conducive conditions on the Bengaluru wicket, describing it as tailor-made for his style of play.
"In the first four matches, there was dew on the pitch. Today, it was a tailor-made wicket for me. After a couple of games, I was able to find my rhythm," stated Axar during the presentation.
Axar Patel, named the 'Player of the Match,' showcased his all-round skills by playing a brilliant 31-run knock from 21 balls.
Reflecting on the partnership with fellow spinner Ravi Bishnoi, Axar expressed optimism about their collaboration evolving in the future.
"We played a few games together for Gujarat as well. We complement each other, and hope this partnership grows," Axar said.
In the match, Axar and Shreyas Iyer's 46-run partnership played a pivotal role in India setting a competitive total of 160/8. Australia, in pursuit of the target, started strong but faced consistent wicket falls. The contest reached its climax in the final over when Australia required 9 runs in six balls. Arshdeep's resolute defence ensured India clinched a remarkable six-run victory.
1/10:India clinch T20I series 4-1 with a thrilling victory over Australia
IANS
2/10:Shreyas Iyer's heroics
India posted 160/8 after Shreyas Iyer propelled the total with his 37-ball 53 knock despite losing regular wickets after the tourists elected to field first in Bengaluru.AFP
3/10:Impressive bowling performance
Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar (3-32), leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2-29) and left-arm spinner Axar Patel (1-14) stood out as the hosts, who took an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the fourth T20I, restricted Australia to 154/8.AFP
4/10:Arshdeep's final over heroics
It was left-arm quick Arshdeep who defended nine in the last over when he began with two dot balls and then the wicket of skipper Matthew Wade for 22 to dim Australia's hopes.PTI
5/10:India's fearless approach
"It was a good series from day one," skipper Suryakumar Yadav said. "We wanted to be fearless and enjoy ourselves when we were in the middle. So, very happy with that."AFP
6/10:Consolation for Indian fans
It was a second-string Indian team which gave some consolation to the fans who witnessed hosts India lose the ODI World Cup final to Australia on November 19 in Ahmedabad.PTI
7/10:Ben McDermott's valiant effort
Ben McDermott smashed 54 off 36 deliveries but the batting wobbled after his departure and Mukesh struck twice on two deliveries to dent the chase.PTI
8/10:Controversial no-ball
A rising delivery from Arshdeep at the start of the final over made Wade angry as he signalled to the umpires for a no-ball. Wade protested and got out two balls later to take back his team's hopes, still dejected and waving his bat.AP
9/10:Learning from tough conditions
"It would've been nice to get the result, but we learn and I thought Ben McDermott bounced back, Behrendorff, Dwarshuis, Sangha made an impact in tough conditions," skipper Wade said.AFP
10/10:Iyer's match-winning partnerships
Iyer put on fighting partnerships of 42 with Jitesh Sharma, who made 24, and 46 with Axar, who hit back with 31 from 21 balls and was named man of the match.APThe match showcased India's ability to overcome challenges and the promising partnership between spinners Axar and Ravi Bishnoi. As India sealed the series with a 4-1 margin, the team looks forward to building on this success in future contests.
(With inputs from ANI)
