When India took the field against England after posting 171 on the board in the second semifinal of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, there was an air of tension at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was palpable as the two cricketing giants clashed for a spot in the finals.
England, known for their aggressive batting lineup, began their chase with caution during the first two overs. However, their skipper Jos Buttler swiftly changed gears and collected 13 runs off the third over, creating early momentum for his team. Buttler’s aggressive approach instilled a sense of déjà vu among Indian fans, who remembered the formidable partnership he had formed with Alex Hales during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal. In that match, Buttler and Hales had thoroughly dismantled the Indian bowling attack, leading England to a comprehensive victory.
Determined not to let history repeat itself, India turned to their left-arm spinner Axar Patel, hoping he could break the dangerous rhythm of the England captain. Axar rose to the occasion with immediate effect, delivering a game-changing moment with the very first ball of his spell. Axar’s delivery went wide at the bowling crease, darting in towards Buttler’s stumps. Buttler, attempting a switch-hit, was caught off guard and ended up top-edging the ball to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
It was a monumental breakthrough for India, as Buttler’s early exit significantly tilted the balance in their favor. The relief among Indian supporters was palpable, knowing that Buttler had the potential to single-handedly steer the game away from India.
Reflecting on this crucial moment, Axar revealed that dismissing Buttler in the semifinal was his personal favorite wicket of the tournament. Despite having claimed nine important wickets during the marquee event held in the USA and the Caribbean, it was Buttler’s wicket that stood out the most for Axar. In an interview with Cricbuzz, Axar shared his thoughts on the significance of Buttler’s wicket, especially in light of the bitter memories from the 2022 World Cup semifinal defeat.
“My personal favorite was the first wicket against England in the semifinal, getting Jos Buttler out,” Axar disclosed. “The second was clean bowling Jonny Bairstow, and the third was dismissing Marcus Stoinis against Australia. The Buttler wicket stands out for me because of what happened in the 2022 World Cup. I was there when they chased our score without losing a wicket.
. That memory was on my mind, and I was determined to do well for the team, no matter what.”
Axar elaborated on his strategic approach during the powerplay. “I bowled my first over in the PowerPlay, taking out Buttler, and then I clean bowled Bairstow with an arm ball in my second over of the PowerPlay. He failed to read my delivery and missed it,” Axar detailed with satisfaction.
With Buttler back in the pavilion, the pressure mounted on the rest of the England batting lineup. Jonny Bairstow, looking to anchor England’s response, soon fell victim to Axar’s guile. In Axar’s second over, he clean bowled Bairstow with a deceptive arm ball that went through the gap between bat and pad. Bairstow’s dismissal further stifled England’s momentum, placing India in a strong position.
As India continued to apply pressure, the England batsmen found it increasingly challenging to stitch together meaningful partnerships. The Indian bowlers, led by Axar, displayed remarkable discipline and skill, capitalizing on the early breakthroughs. England’s middle order struggled to find their footing, and wickets fell at regular intervals.
The Indian fielders complemented the bowlers’ efforts with sharp catches and agile movements, ensuring that England’s chase never truly gained traction. With each wicket, the Indian team’s confidence grew, and the Providence Stadium reverberated with the cheers of elated Indian fans.
In addition to Buttler and Bairstow, Axar’s standout performances included dismissing Marcus Stoinis against Australia earlier in the tournament. However, it was the pivotal wicket of Buttler that remained etched in Axar’s memory as the highlight of his campaign. India eventually restricted England’s final push, securing a spot in the finals and continuing their quest for the T20 World Cup glory.
Axar’s impactful spell in the semifinal underscored his crucial role in India’s bowling unit. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and deliver wickets at key moments made him a vital asset for the team. As Axar continues to reflect on his personal favorite wicket and its significance, his performance in the semifinal will be remembered as one of the defining moments of India’s resurgence on the global stage of T20 cricket.
