Mumbai: India’s vice-captain Axar Patel has revealed that he was prepared to bowl the decisive final over during the dramatic T20 World Cup semi-final against England, when the visitors needed an unlikely 30 runs from the last six balls to pull off a sensational win.
India eventually handed the responsibility to Shivam Dube, who held his nerve to defend the total and seal a thrilling seven-run victory. The win booked India’s place in the T20 World Cup final, where they will face New Zealand in a high-stakes title clash.
Axar Patel prepared for the final-over challenge
Speaking after the match, Axar said he had already begun mentally preparing himself for the possibility of bowling the final over if captain Suryakumar Yadav had decided to give him the ball.
The left-arm spinner said he was stationed at long-off and was even practising his bowling movements in anticipation. According to him, although the equation looked tense, he remained confident that conceding 30 runs in an over was unlikely.
“Mai ready tha. Mai long off pe khada tha aur ready tha aur bowling practice bhi kar raha tha. 30 runs to bohot, 5 chakke to nahi khaunga ye pata tha,” Axar said with a laugh during a post-match interview.
He added that the pressure situation did not intimidate him and that he trusted his ability to deliver under crunch moments if required.
High-scoring semi-final keeps fans on edge
The semi-final turned out to be one of the most entertaining contests of the tournament, with both teams producing explosive batting displays.
India first posted a formidable total of 253 for 7 after a sensational innings from Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 89 runs off just 42 balls, providing the foundation for a massive total.
Several other Indian batters chipped in with valuable contributions. Shivam Dube added crucial runs in the middle overs, while Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya played quick cameo innings that pushed the score past the 250 mark.
The aggressive approach ensured that India maintained a high run rate throughout their innings and placed England under immense pressure during the chase.
England’s spirited chase led by Jacob Bethell
England responded with equal aggression despite losing an early wicket. Young batter Jacob Bethell produced a breathtaking knock that kept England firmly in the contest.
Bethell smashed 105 runs off just 48 deliveries, combining elegant strokeplay with powerful hitting to keep the required run rate within reach for most of the innings.
His innings included several towering sixes and well-timed boundaries that momentarily swung momentum towards England.
However, India’s bowlers managed to maintain discipline in the crucial stages of the match.
Bowlers regain control in the final overs
The turning point came when Jasprit Bumrah returned to bowl the 16th over and conceded just eight runs. The tight over increased pressure on England’s batters and forced them to take risks.
Arshdeep Singh almost delivered another economical over, but Bethell struck a six and a four off the final two deliveries to bring the equation down to 45 runs from 18 balls.
Bumrah then bowled another exceptional over, conceding only six runs and pushing England further behind the required rate.
Bethell briefly reignited hope by smashing a six off the first ball of the penultimate over to bring up his century. However, Hardik Pandya responded with composure and allowed only three more runs in the remaining deliveries of the over.
Shivam Dube holds his nerve in the final over
That left England needing 30 runs from the last six balls. With Axar Patel being the only specialist bowler who still had an over left, many expected him to deliver the final over.
Instead, captain Suryakumar Yadav opted for Shivam Dube, who had not bowled earlier in the innings.
The decision initially surprised many observers, but Dube justified the captain’s faith. He bowled with calmness under immense pressure and successfully defended the total, ensuring India secured a dramatic seven-run victory.
Fielding improvements also prove crucial
After the match, Suryakumar Yadav also highlighted the role of improved fielding in the team’s success.
The captain credited fielding coach T Dilip for the squad’s progress in the department, saying players had been putting in extra effort during training sessions.
“We need to give credit to T Dilip, our fielding coach. Boys are responding well. Guys have been going the extra yard, and that’s showing up,” Suryakumar said.
Several sharp stops and well-judged catches during the match helped India maintain control during England’s chase.
Focus shifts to the final against New Zealand
With the semi-final victory secured, India will now turn their attention to the tournament final against New Zealand.
The captain admitted that the team will feel both excitement and pressure heading into the title clash, particularly with the match being played in front of home supporters.
India will aim to defend their T20 World Cup crown and add another major trophy to their collection, while New Zealand will be looking to spoil the hosts’ celebrations.
The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-balanced teams, with fans expecting another high-intensity showdown.