'5 sixes to nahi khaunga': Axar Patel was ready to bowl the final over vs England
India Today
India vice-captain Axar Patel revealed he was ready to bowl the final over against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Shivam Dube ultimately bowled the last over to secure a thrilling seven-run victory for India, setting up a final clash with New Zealand.
India's vice-captain Axar Patel has revealed that he was ready to bowl the final over of the dramatic T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Mumbai when the visitors needed 30 runs off the last six balls to pull off an unlikely win.
IND vs ENG T20 WORLD CUP 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
India eventually handed the ball to Shivam Dube, who successfully defended the total and sealed a thrilling seven-run victory to send the hosts into the final against New Zealand. But Axar said he was prepared if captain Suryakumar Yadav had asked him to take on the responsibility.
Speaking to Star Sports after the match, the all-rounder said he had already started preparing for the possibility while standing at long-off. Despite the match turning into a high-scoring contest, Axar joked that he was confident he would not concede five sixes in the over.
"Mai ready tha. Mai long off pe khada tha aur ready tha aur bowling practice bhi kar raha tha. 30 runs to bohot, 5 chakke to nahi khaunga ye pata tha," Axar said with a laugh. (I was ready. I was standing at long-off and was already practising the final over. Thirty runs were too many and I knew I wouldn't get hit for five sixes in an over.)
India defeated England by seven runs in a nerve-wracking semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium to move one step closer to defending their T20 World Cup crown. The hosts posted a formidable 253 for 7 after Sanju Samson produced a sensational knock of 89 off 42 balls, with valuable contributions coming from Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya.
Rohit Sharma believes India's recent success in ICC tournaments could be the start of a strong phase for the national teams. The India captain praised both men's and women's teams and hopes the winning run continues.
Suryakumar Yadav revealed how a phone call and a little faith helped Ishan Kishan stage a sensational comeback, earning him a spot in India's Men's T20 World Cup squad. Kishan capitalised on the opportunity, scoring 317 runs in nine matches.
Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav married his childhood friend, Vanshika Singh, on March 14 in a grand ceremony held in Mussoorie. The celebrations were even more special for Kuldeep, coming shortly after India's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph.
AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan says the federation replaced the Indian women's team's ill-fitting AFC Women's Asian Cup kits within seven hours, but the effort went unrecognised.
Pakistan national selector Aaqib Javed believes that the country and the country's cricket board need to move on from scapegoating culture to move forward in international cricket.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, Abhishek Sharma revealed how his father and family helped him overcome a difficult T20 World Cup campaign, during which he battled poor form before scoring a match-winning 18-ball fifty in the final against New Zealand.
Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as Delhi Capitals mentor ahead of IPL 2026, saying he could not commit the time required, though he confirmed he will return to the commentary box during the tournament.
The PCB has denied reports that Pakistan players were fined PKR 5 million each for their T20 World Cup exit, with spokesperson Amir Mir clarifying that no penalties have been imposed, though the board is considering a performance-based accountability formula.
Salman Ali Agha has been given a reprimand and a demerit point following his outburst after the controversial run out during the second ODI against Bangladesh on Friday, March 13.
On this day on March 14, 2001, India overcame a massive first-innings deficit to script a remarkable 171-run victory against Australia in the 2001 Kolkata Test, powered by the record-breaking partnership of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman and a dominant display by Harbhajan Singh on the final day.
Rahul Dravid, Roger Binny and Mithali Raj headline the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi, as Indian cricket celebrates its legends and a historic run of ICC trophy wins.
Irfan Pathan believes IPL 2026 is the right time for MS Dhoni to hand over responsibilities to CSK's next generation, with Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad and others ready to step up.