The Indian cricket team overcame some challenging circumstances to defeat the West Indies in the second one-day international on Sunday in Port of Spain. With the triumph, the Shikhar Dhawan-led team enjoys a commanding 2-0 series lead over the hosts after three games. Set a challenging mark of 312, the guests fell to 205 for five in 38.4 overs, but Axar Patel (64*, 35 balls) rekindled India’s pursuit with his six-hitting skills, bringing the guests home on Sunday with two balls to spare. India gained an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series when Patel hit Kyle Mayers for a six when India needed six off the final three balls. Patel’s unbeaten innings featured five sixes and three fours, and he and Deepak Hooda (33) combined 51 runs in 33 balls to keep India in the game.
The BCCI posted a video of Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal speaking with Patel and Avesh Khan after the victory. The three talk about the tense final few overs and how Patel’s sixes helped India cross the finish line.
“My nails were all bit off. Sitting outside, the pressure was very intense. There is pressure to have a baby by a certain time, “Chahal sparked the discussion with a pearl of wisdom. Then Patel and Avesh got in and discussed their batting techniques.
Player of the Match Patel said the following after the presentation: “It’s incredibly special, and it’s fantastic to get it in a significant, series-winning situation. I set my goal for 10 to 11 and over when I went out. We believed it was possible because we have IPL experience.
“We aimed to maintain our composure and cover the pace. Since this was my first ODI since 2017, even my first fifty came here, it was noteworthy.”
Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of India, lavished admiration on the all-rounder as well. “Axar played in an incredible manner. As we compete in front of large audiences, our domestic and IPL cricket keeps us prepared. He has performed that numerous times in IPL, as Axar stated.