Axar Patel scored an unbeaten 21 and took two wickets in India’s 48-run victory in the fourth T20I of the five-match series in Queensland. He was named Player of the Match.
Speaking about his match-winning performance with both bat and ball, Axar said:
“I think whenever the team needs me, that’s my preferred batting position. If I can make an impact for my team, I think that’s the best game for me. I don’t think number six or seven is my preferred position. I just go out there and think about what my team needs at that moment, and I’ll do that.”
Axar came in to bat at number eight when India lost two wickets in the 17th over. His 11-ball 21 provided a late flourish, with 13 runs coming off the final over from Marcus Stoinis to take India to 167. While bowling, the left-arm spinner provided India’s first two breakthroughs and was very economical, finishing his spell with figures of 2 for 20 from his four overs at an economy rate of 5.00.
Axar also gave insights into his bowling plans for the match.
“I was thinking about the batters’ strengths, so I bowled according to my plan. If the batters were going to hit me straight down the ground, then I’d bowl towards middle stump — a good length, about 5–6 metres. And if things were slipping away from me, I’d just bowl the odd fuller one. So that’s my plan in these conditions; I think bowling wicket to wicket is the most important thing,” he added.
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