India beat Australia in their last Super 8 game by 21 runs to reach T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals. In the run chase, Australia were ahead despite losing the wicket of opener David Warner. Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh were taking Indian bowlers to the cleaners when Axar Patel grabbed a one-handed stunner to dismiss the latter. While skipper Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep were the other contenders for the popular fielding medal award, Axar won it for the sensational catch on the boundary.
Fielding coach T Dilip called his ‘unsung hero’ to present the award in the dressing room. Training assistant/Throwdown specialist Nuwan Seneviratne gave the medal to Patel as players chanted his name.
Seneviratne's First-Class career
44-year-old Seneviratne has played two first-class matches for Colombo Cricket Club. The all-rounder has scored 112 runs including a half-century during his short stint. He played his last first-class match in 2004.
Axar's bowling figures
Patel was economical with the ball too. He conceded 21 runs from three overs and got the crucial wicket of Marcus Stoinis in the 15th over of the innings.
Australia lose their must-win clash
Earlier, skipper Rohit's fiery 41-ball 92 helped India got off to a terrific start. Cameos from Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Pandya helped India post a daunting total of 205/5. In the run chase, Head dominated Indian bowlers and scored 76 runs from 43 balls. Glenn Maxwell and Tim David's cameos were not enough as Australia managed to post 181/7 and lost the match by 21 runs.
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