Axar Patel reflected on learning from past mistakes to enhance his shot selection, contributing significantly to India's T20I victory against Australia. His strategic approach was evident during the fourth T20I in Carrara.
Axar scored a quick 21 runs off 11 balls, including a four and a six in the final over bowled by Marcus Stoinis. His innings helped India cross the 160-run mark, finishing at 167. Australia fell short by 48 runs, giving India an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series after the first match was washed out.
"I learnt from my past mistake of letting the size of boundaries dictate my shot selection. The side boundaries were big but I thought if I could hold my shape and watch the ball, I could clear them."
Axar acknowledged the challenges due to wickets falling frequently and shared the dressing room’s message to last until the final over, as no batsmen were remaining after him.
"Obviously I knew it was tough because wickets were falling back to back. The message that I got from the dressing room was to take it to the last over because there weren’t any batsmen after me. So I thought I would take a chance in the last over."
The match took place in Carrara, Australia, where Axar’s dismissal of Australian batsman Matt Short was a moment of celebration among teammates, highlighting his all-round contribution.
Axar’s improved shot selection and composure under pressure were crucial in securing the match for India.
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