Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan showered praise on India’s T20I vice-captain Axar Patel after the T20 World Cup final. Patel returned with figures of 3-27 in the three overs he bowled in the summit clash. The left-arm orthodox spinner got the big wicket of Finn Allen, who had scored a 33-ball century against South Africa in the semifinal clash.
Furthermore, Patel also accounted for Glenn Phillips, and Daryl Mitchell. The Indian vice-captain took 11 wickets in seven matches of the tournament at an average of 18.64.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Look at Axar Patel. Once again, he showed his importance. Axar Patel came in to bowl during the powerplay in final. It was a very good move, something I had spoken about earlier in a video, that Axar Patel against Finn Allen could be a very good match-up. The way Axar bowls with pace, while Finn Allen usually stands deep in the crease, he trapped him there. Allen tried to go for a big shot from the back foot and got out.”
Pathan said Patel delivered in the all-important final against the Kiwis after he was dropped in the Super 8 match against South Africa at Ahmedabad.
He added, “He was dropped earlier in Ahmedabad, but India’s vice-captain returned again for the final in Ahmedabad and delivered. He dismissed Finn Allen and then Glenn Phillips as well. Against Glenn Phillips, he tossed the ball up. Runs did come off a short ball in that over, but then he changed his length and bowled a floater, almost like an undercut delivery. The ball kept coming inwards, giving the batter no room, and that is how he got him out. There has been a lot of talk about his fielding, but the way he bowled, especially in the powerplay, was truly commendable. So, well done Bapu. In Ahmedabad, Bapu always shines.”
On the other hand, the former swing bowler praised Ishan Kishan for his contribution in India’s successful run. Kishan scored a crucial knock of 54 runs off just 24 balls in the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Overall, Kishan scored 317 runs in nine matches of the tournament at an average of 35.22 and a blistering strike rate of 193.29.
Pathan concluded, “The way he seized the opportunity was impressive. The biggest thing I noticed was that he was first chosen to open the batting, and he did open. Later, when Sanju Samson returned, Ishan moved to number three, but his form remained the same. That is a remarkable thing. In this final, one particular shot stood out. Against the left-arm spinner, with long-on and deep mid-wicket in place, he hit a boundary along the ground. I think that shows the level Ishan Kishan has reached mentally and in terms of ability. After that, his off-side play was also very impressive.”
