Axar Patel fails in Auckland but makes T20 history for India with 300 wickets

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 reached 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 achieve 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, Roweelard, Khidie Sam der Merran and Poweelard 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. In T20 cricket, he scored 3,818 runs at an average of 21.94 and a strike rate of 134.43, taking 300 wickets in 345 matches. His record includes nine half-centuries with the bat.

AXAR’S LANDMARK COMES ON A DIFFICULT DAY

Despite achieving the historic milestone, Axar endured a tough outing in Auckland. He finished with expensive bowling figures of 3-0-43-1, taking 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 couldn’t even hit with the bat. Coming on during India’s chase, he managed just seven runs off nine deliveries before being dismissed by Mitchell Santner when caught and bowled, adding to India’s mounting woes.

India eventually suffered an 87-run defeat after failing to chase down New Zealand’s formidable total of 259 for seven. Glenn Phillips led the hosts’ batting attack with a sensational 107 off 49 balls, hitting 10 sixes. Michael Bracewell provided equally destructive support as he smashed 65 off just 25 deliveries. The duo added 115 runs off 41 balls to take New Zealand past the 250-run mark.

In response, India suffered an early collapse as Jacob Duffy dismissed Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the opener. Abhishek Sharma contributed 27, Naman Dhir scored 28 and Tilak Varma 35. However, India never recovered from the poor start and ended up on 172 for nine from their 20 overs.

The defeat ended India’s hopes of completing a clean sweep, although they maintained a 3-1 lead in the five-match series after winning the first three games.

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