Axar Patel was added to India’s squad at the Asia Cup. While the all-rounder did not get many chances during the tournament, he proved his mettle in the three-match series against reigning world champions Australia. 

Patel finished the Australia series with eight wickets in 10 overs at an economy rate of 6.30. On Sunday, in the series-decider at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad , the 28-year-old finished with figures of 3/33.

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He picked the key wickets of Aussie captain Axar Patel, Josh Inglis and dangerman Matthew Wade. Patel also affected Glenn Maxwell’s run out. 

The spinner started his spell with Finch’s wicket. Australia were cruising in the powerplay. He slowed his pace around off to entice the batter to get underneath for a lofted drive. However, the ball did not hit the middle and went up high. Hardik Pandya took a comfortable catch at mid-on.

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Cameron Green hit Axar Patel for a hattrick of fours. The bowler was brought back later, but couldn’t get rid of a dangerous Glenn Maxwell. However, his next wicket came in the 13th over. 

Josh Inglis and Tim David had stitched a 31-run stand. Patel, bowling his third, followed the former, who moved leg-side. The batter flashed hard but did not get any elevation due to extra bounce. Rohit Sharma took a catch at backward point. 

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In the same over, Patel delivered a length ball that held onto the wicket a bit. Wade mistimed a punch and ended up chipping it back to the bowler. 

Axar Patel this series:

Mohali: 3/17

Nagpur: 2/13

Hyderabad: 3/33

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Wickets of Axar Patel in the T20 series vs Australia:

Aaron Finch (twice)

Cameron Green

Josh Inglis (twice)

Glenn Maxwell

Matthew Wade

Tim David