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In the third T20I between South Africa and India at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Axar Patel provided one of the standout moments of the match, taking a sensational catch to dismiss South Africa’s middle-order batter, David Miller. This momen♓t proved to be one of the game-c🌸hangers in the match.
A game-changing moment: Axar Patel’s stunning catch
The key moment came in the 16th over of South Africa’s chase, when Hardik Pandya bowled a short delivery to Miller. Miller, looking to accelerate the scoring, launched into a powerful pull shot that seemed destined for a six. However, Axar had other plans. Leaping high into the air, he clung onto the ball overhead in a brilliant display of athleticism and concentration, making a stunning catch that left the crowd in awe. Miller, starting to look dangerous, departed for 18 off 18 balls, and his dismissal seemed to shift the momentum in India’s favour💎.
Here is the video:
//twitter.com/Kiranku🃏mar324/status/1856770ꦆ666617541042
It wasn’t just his fielding that stood out for Axar with the ball, he also played an instrumental role in India’s victory. The all-rounder made a significant contribution by dismissing Tristan Stubbs, the Player of the Match in the previous T20I. Stubbs, who had been a key figure for South Africa, was sent packing by Axar, and his wicket proved to be one of the most crucial in India’s eventual win. Axar’s all-round performance, combining a stunning catch with a vital wicket, was a defining factor in India’s success on the night.
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India takes a 2-1 lead in the four-match series over South Africa
Earlier in the game, India were asked to bat first in the game, and they set a massive target for South Africa. Scoring a commanding 219/6 in their 20 overs, India’s innings was anchored by an exceptional knock from Tilak Varma. The young batter played a blistering innings of 107* off just 56 balls, hittinౠg 8 fours and 7 sixes. Varma’s fireworks at the crease were the backbone of India’s total, and his innings proved to be one of the highlights of the match.
Chasing a mammoth target of 220, South Africa fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, finishing their innings at 208/7. Marco Jansen played a blazing knock, scoring 54 off just 17 balls with a monstrous strike rate of 317.65, however, Jansen’s efforts weren’t enough, and he was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh, who was India’s highest wicket-taker with 3 wickets on the night. Despite Jansen’s h𒅌eroics, the required run rate proved too much for South Africa, and they lost the match by 11 runs, with this victory, India gained a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.