The T20 World Cup 2024 witnessed a moment of pure magic on Monday as Indian all-rounder Axar Patel produced a one-handed catch for the ages to dismiss Australian captain Mitchell Marsh. The gravity of the grab, during a crucial Super 8 encounter, has sent social media into a frenzy and left commentators scrambling for superlatives.
Turning point in a tense match
India had set a daunting target of 206 runs for victory, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge with a blistering 92 off just 41 deliveries. However, Australia started their chase positively, with Marsh and opener Travis Head building a solid partnership. The pressure was mounting on India when the ball was handed to Kuldeep Yadav in the ninth over.
A moment of brilliance from Axar Patel
Marsh, known for his aggressive batting, went for a big shot off Yadav’s delivery. The ball rocketed towards the deep mid-wicket boundary, where Patel was stationed. Despite being slightly ahead of the trajectory, Patel launched himself into a full-stretch jump, defying gravity with his left hand outstretched.
The crowd held its breath as the ball seemed destined to clear the ropes. But in a moment of pure athleticism, Patel’s fingertips managed to grab the leather just inches from the ground. The roar that erupted from the stands was deafening, and replays confirmed the brilliance of the catch.
Here’s the video:
𝐀𝐗𝐀𝐑, 𝘮𝘶𝘫𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘨 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝘬𝘦𝘩𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘯 💥
An incredible catch by #AxarPatel to dismiss the Aussie skipper and #KuldeepYadav provides a much-needed breakthrough in the #𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐲 💪🏽
𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝟖 👉 #AUSvIND | LIVE NOW |… pic.twitter.com/OOC5OkCymx
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 24, 2024
Catch of the tournament 👌 pic.twitter.com/ruiUVIupYX
— Arun Yadav 🇮🇳 (@beingarun28) June 24, 2024
Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma powerfully thrashes Mitchell Starc in a 29-run over during AUS vs IND game | T20 World Cup
The cricketing world took immediate notice. Former players, commentators, and fans flooded social media with praise for Patel’s sensational effort. Many declared it the frontrunner for the “catch of the tournament” award.
“It’s the catch of the tournament,” said former Indian cricketer Vivek Razdan on air.
YOU CANNOT DO THAT … AXAR PATEL. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/2A2LIvsEnN
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 24, 2024
Axar Patel the bowler.
Axar Patel the fielder.
He’s justifying his worth. pic.twitter.com/ZPK81qq2zr
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 24, 2024
A spark for the Indian bowling attack
Patel’s catch not only provided India with a crucial breakthrough but also shifted the momentum of the match. The dismissal of Marsh, who was looking well-set, put the brakes on Australia’s scoring rate. Patel went on to pick another important wicket later in the innings, further bolstering India’s fightback.
India eventually restricted to 181/7, winning the match by 24 runs and securing their place for the semifinals.
