Axar Patel’s Hat-Trick Hopes Dashed by Rohit Sharma’s Dropped Catch in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Opener
Axar Patel’s Near Hat-Trick: A Rollercoaster Opening Match Against Bangladesh
NEW DELHI: Axar Patel came agonizingly close to a sensational hat-trick during his spell against Bangladesh in India’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The left-arm spinner’s impressive performance included two wickets in consecutive deliveries, but a costly dropped catch prevented him from achieving the rare feat.
Axar was introduced into the attack in the ninth over, with Bangladesh struggling at 35 for 3. His impact was immediate. On the second ball of his spell, he dismissed Tanzid Hasan (25 off 25) with a sharp delivery that found the outside edge, safely caught by wicketkeeper KL Rahul. With the very next ball, he sent Mushfiqur Rahim packing for a golden duck, another edge snapped up by Rahul behind the stumps. The Indian camp erupted with excitement as Axar stood on the brink of a hat-trick.
As Axar prepared for the hat-trick delivery, tension filled the air. Jaker Ali, the new batter, faced a precise delivery that angled slightly outside off. Unfortunately, Rohit Sharma, positioned perfectly at first slip, fumbled a regulation catch, letting the ball slip through his fingers. Frustrated, Rohit vented his anger by striking the ground repeatedly, aware of the missed opportunity.
Despite the disappointment, Axar maintained his composure, conceding just a single run off the final two balls of the over. He finished with impressive figures of 2/1, leaving Bangladesh in deeper trouble at 36/5 after nine overs.
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In a tournament filled with excitement, Axar Patel’s performance is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in cricket. Will he get another chance at a hat-trick? Only time will tell.
