Chasing a target of 163 runs, Sri Lanka needed 13 runs off the final over to win the match. Axar was entrusted with the job of bowling the crucial over and he responded with an inspired performance, helping India secure a two-run victory.
Karim pointed out that the left-arm spinner held his nerve in the final over, bowling in the right areas to help India defend the score. He mentioned that while it was a challenging ask for Axar, he was able to rise to the occasion.
Speaking to India News Sports after the match, Karim explained:
Notably, Axar made it tough for Chamika Karunaratne by keeping his deliveries wide outside off. While the Sri Lankan batter was able to hit a six on the third ball, the crafty spinner bounced back to take his side to a stunning victory.
Apart from his contribution with the ball, Axar also chipped in with a valuable knock with the bat. The left-handed batter remained unbeaten on 31 off 20 balls. His quick-fire unconquered 68-run partnership with Deepak Hooda for the sixth wicket took the Men in Blue to a competitive total.
“Their partnership proved to be a decisive factor” - Saba Karim on Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel’s run-stand
Saba Karim further stated that India were struggling at one stage in the first T20I after losing wickets in quick succession.
He highlighted how Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel were instrumental in India posting a fighting total. Karim claimed that the sixth-wicket partnership between the two batters gave the hosts a glimmer of hope.
The former keeper-batter added:
Hardik Pandya and Co. have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The two sides will now lock horns in the second fixture at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Thursday, January 5.
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