Axar Patel created history in men’s T20 cricket on Friday, October 30, becoming the first Indian cricketer to complete the double of 3,000 runs and 300 wickets. The all-rounder achieved the landmark during India’s fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland when he dismissed Finn Allen.
Axar joined an elite group of international cricketers to have achieved the double, which includes Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Nabi, Shadab Khan, Jason Holder, David Willey, Imad Wasim, Samit Patel, David Wiese, Roelof van der Merwe, Shahid Afridi, Kieron Pollard, Sam Curran and Liam Dawson.
New Zealand vs India, 4th T20I: Highlights | Scorecard
The 32-year-old has been a consistent contributor with both bat and ball in the shortest format. He has scored 3,818 runs in T20 cricket at an average of 21.94 and a strike rate of 134.43, while also picking up 300 wickets across 345 matches. His tally includes nine half-centuries with the bat.
AXAR’S LANDMARK COMES ON DIFFICULT DAY
Despite reaching the historic milestone, Axar endured a difficult outing in Auckland. He finished with expensive bowling figures of 3-0-43-1, conceding runs at an economy rate of 14.33. His only wicket was that of Allen, who made 31 off 17 balls before being caught by Abhishek Sharma at deep extra cover.
Axar could not make an impact with the bat either. Coming in during India’s chase, he managed just seven runs off nine deliveries before Mitchell Santner dismissed him caught and bowled, adding to India’s mounting problems.
India eventually suffered an 87-run defeat after failing to chase New Zealand’s imposing total of 259 for seven. Glenn Phillips led the hosts’ batting assault with a sensational 107 off 49 balls, hitting 10 sixes. Michael Bracewell provided equally destructive support, smashing 65 off just 25 deliveries. The duo added 115 runs off 41 balls to take New Zealand past the 250-run mark.
In reply, India suffered an early collapse as Jacob Duffy dismissed Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the opening over. Abhishek Sharma contributed 27, while Naman Dhir scored 28 and Tilak Varma made 35. However, India never recovered from the poor start and finished at 172 for nine in their 20 overs.
The defeat ended India’s hopes of completing a clean sweep, although they retained their 3-1 lead in the five-match series after having won the first three games.
– Ends
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