India’s left-arm spinner Axar Patel credited slowness and unexpected bounce at Queensland’s Carrara Oval for a man-of-the-match performance in the fourth T20I against Australia. Patel brought his all-round ability to the fore as he made a crucial cameo with the bat as he scored 21* (11) and later claimed 2/20 with the ball.
The left-arm spinner helped India achieve crucial breakthroughs when he dismissed Matthew Short (25 off 19) lbw and later cleaned up Josh Inglis (12 off 11) to bring his team back into the game. After his sensational performance, Patel revealed that he analyzed that the pitch was on the slower side and had an unexpected bounce, which he used to his advantage in the second innings.
AUS vs IND 4th T20I Update
Patel also mentioned that he is ready to take on any role in the team, with the main focus on delivering impressive performances.
“Yes, I had a chance when I came in to bat at number 7. I looked at the wicket and spoke to the batsmen. The message was that the pitch offered unexpected bounce and was on the slower side. I just held my position and hit the right length. I think my favorite position is where the team needs me. If I come up with an impressive performance at number 6 or 7, I don’t think it’s for my team the best.” Whatever my teams need, I will go and do it,” Patel said in the post-match presentation.
Apart from this, he also revealed the details of his bowling plans and stated that he adjusted them according to the strength of the batsman.
“I was thinking about the power of the batsman. If they try to hit me, I can bite a good length and if they sweep me, I can bite a bit full. I went for the stumps every time. It worked for me today,” he added.
Defending 167, India bowled out Australia for 119 in 18.2 overs. Washington Sundar emerged as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/3 in 1.2 overs while Shivam Dube (2/20) and Axar Patel (2/20) also scalped two wickets each. Apart from them, Varun Chakravarthy (1/26), Jasprit Bumrah (1/27) and Arshdeep Singh (1/22) also scalped one wicket each. Thanks to their 48 run victory, India took a 2–1 lead in the five-match series, with the final match scheduled to be played in Brisbane on 8 November.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 6, 2025
