"THE GREATEST BAPU IN THIS UNIVERSE" - Fans react as Axar Patel plucks a stunning catch to dismiss Mitchell Marsh in IND vs AUS T20 World Cup game
Fans expressed their amazement at Indian all-rounder Axar Patel's blinder of a catch to dismiss Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh in the Super 8 clash of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia is hosting this crucial contest (Monday, June 24).
The action took place in the last ball of the ninth over of Australia's innings. Kuldeep Yadav bowled a half-tracker onto the pads, and Marsh got down on his knee to pull the ball towards the deep square leg. However, Patel, positioned near the fence, jumped at the right time and completed the dismissal with a one-handed dismissal.
Interestingly, the 30-year-old grabbed a catch with his right hand, despite being a southpaw. His effort put an end to the 81-run stand between Travis Head and Marsh.
Watch Axar Patel's catch below:
Fans on X were ecstatic with Patel's efforts to send the dangerous-looking Marsh to the dugout. Here are some reactions:
Many fans hailed the all-rounder's effort as the 'Catch of the Tournament':
"Best part about Axar Patel’s catch was our fielding coach was standing right behind him..@dilip_cc. He must have had the picture perfect angle of that catch, "one fan posted.
"Was that the catch of the tournament from Axar Patel; certainly a great competition to the catch from Aiden Markram earlier!" a fan noted.
"This is INSANE from Axar Patel 🔥🔥🔥Certainly the catch of the tournament. Incredible since he took the one handed that too with his right hand, he being a leftie. Wowwwwwww!!!" another posted.
"One of the best catch of this World Cup by Axar Patel! I have never watched any Pakistani to have a catch like this 🔥" a Pakistan native tweeted.
T20 World Cup: Axar Patel dismisses Marcus Stoinis to turn momentum in favor of India
In pursuit of 206 against India, Australia started on a bad note by losing David Warner (6) in the first over. However, the duo of Mitchell Marsh (37) and Travis Head pulled things back nicely for the Men in Yellow.
Nevertheless, after taking Marsh's catch, Patel made Marcus Stoinis (2) holed out at point by Hardik Pandya. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav breached the defense of Glenn Maxwell (20) as well.
In the 17th over, Jasprit Bumrah's slower delivery caught Travis Head off-guard, as he was dismissed for a well-made 76 off 43 balls.
At the time of writing, Australia needed 53 off the last three overs with three wickets in hand.