T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: What made Kuldeep and Axar's four overs so effective against Australia? - Cricket Winner

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel have long been the established bowling duo for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. Their partnership has been pivotal, contributing significantly to Delhi’s success in the 2024 season. Before this season, they were recognized as the lynchpins of the DC bowling attack, consistently delivering performances that anchored the team. Interestingly, Kuldeep and Axar had only played eight T20Is together in eight years before today, often being rested alternately in T20Is to preserve their fitness for crucial matches.

The stage was set for a marquee clash as India faced Australia in the World Cup. India, with their semi-final spot nearly assured, entered the game with confidence, while Australia needed a victory to keep their fate in their own hands. Chasing a formidable target of 206, the 2021 champions were off to a flying start. After 11 overs, Australia was 116/2, with Glenn Maxwell recently thrashing Ravindra Jadeja for three boundaries in a single over.

The last two overs had seen a flurry of runs, and Travis Head, who had been a thorn in India’s side, was batting aggressively on 55 off 27 balls. With Jasprit Bumrah’s two overs already bowled and being reserved for the death overs, India’s prospects looked bleak. In this critical moment, Rohit Sharma turned to his trusted spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, to change the course of the game.

The decision proved crucial as the duo bowled four overs between them, conceding just 25 runs while taking two vital wickets between overs 12 and 15. Despite Kuldeep giving away nine runs in the 12th over, Axar kept things tight in the 13th, allowing only three runs. Their combined effort brought stability and pressure, giving India a foothold to claw back into the game. Their spell not only stemmed the flow of runs but also set the stage for Bumrah to return and secure the win for India, highlighting once again the importance of Kuldeep and Axar’s partnership.

See Also: T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: How did Rohit Sharma decimate Australia’s bowling attack?

A Detailed Analysis of Australia’s Innings: The Game-Changing Phase

🏏 What made Kuldeep and Axar's four overs so effective against Australia?#cricket @BCCI @CricketAus #T20WorldCup #INDVSAUS pic.twitter.com/TOTz40VKbj

— Saiprasad Kagne (@KEVLAR2601) June 25, 2024

Axar Patel had a rollercoaster experience with the ball in this crucial match. He was introduced into the attack in the fifth over with Australia at 36/1, aiming to stem the flow of runs. However, the decision to bowl him from a particular end proved disadvantageous as the wind blew across him, drifting his deliveries towards the leg stump. Mitchell Marsh capitalized on this, pulling a leg stump delivery for a six. The over cost India 12 runs, pushing Australia to 48/1 in five overs. Recognizing the issue, Rohit Sharma held Axar back for the next eight overs. In the meantime, Ravindra Jadeja conceded 17 runs in his only over, further complicating India’s position.

When Axar returned to bowl, he did so from the same problematic end but managed to tighten his line, conceding just three runs in the over and disrupting the Australian momentum. This effective spell increased the asking rate to 11.8, leading to a crucial mistake by Glenn Maxwell. Feeling the pressure, Maxwell charged down the wicket to Kuldeep Yadav’s wrong ‘un on the first ball of the next over without picking the spin. The result was inevitable, with Maxwell’s stumps shattered and his innings ending at 19 off 12 balls. This breakthrough was pivotal, showcasing Axar’s resilience and Kuldeep’s guile in a high-stakes game.

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel executed a disciplined bowling performance, focusing on good lengths and targeting the middle and leg stump for right-handed batters. Despite their efforts, Travis Head, being a left-hander, managed to score 18 off 10 balls during this phase. However, the combined efforts of the duo restricted Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David to a mere seven runs from the remaining 14 balls. Kuldeep completed his four-over spell with impressive figures of 2/24, while Axar mended his initial expensive over, ending with 1/21 from his three overs and wasn’t needed for a fourth. He had effectively done his part in stifling the Australian innings.

Axar’s contribution was not limited to his bowling alone. He took a sensational one-handed catch at deep mid-wicket to break the crucial Head-Mitchell Marsh partnership, which had laid a strong foundation for Australia’s chase. This catch was a turning point, reinforcing India’s grip on the match. Kuldeep and Axar’s combined efforts not only slowed down the Australian scoring rate but also created significant pressure that led to wickets at crucial moments. Their performance during the middle overs created a chokehold that Australia struggled to break free from.

As reflected in the match progression, Australia kept pace with India’s score until the 12th over, after which they began to falter. The spinners’ strategic chokehold set the stage for the pacers to finish the job, ultimately leading India to a comfortable 24-run victory. This collective effort by the bowling unit showcased India’s depth and tactical acumen, securing a crucial win in their campaign.

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