Axar Patel produced a brilliant all-round display to help India register a six-wicket victory over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The left-arm spinner played a key role with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for 62 runs to break England’s fightback after a crucial seventh-wicket partnership. He then guided India’s chase with an unbeaten 57 off 52 balls, proving to be the difference in the match.
Chasing 259, India found themselves under pressure before Axar Patel and Washington Sundar put together an unbeaten 102-run partnership. Their stand helped India reach the target in 45.2 overs and secure their first win of the UK tour.
Soon after the match, social media was flooded with praise for Axar Patel’s match-winning performance. Fans and cricket experts applauded his calm approach in the chase, while many also celebrated the all-rounder’s popular nickname “Bapu”, as they hailed his heroics against England.
Here are some reactions:
https://x.com/GemsOfCricket/status/2077082658409271360
https://x.com/imrohitkatare/status/2077088559321034905
https://x.com/kevinshah1307/status/2077089449662705815
https://x.com/HarshithaP84560/status/2077089432872845576
https://x.com/ImPC_45/status/2077088808383000606
https://x.com/sagarcasm/status/2077082729590739130
https://x.com/CulerAarav/status/2077089523071320323
Earlier, England had recovered from 107/6, thanks to half-centuries from Joe Root (76) and Liam Dawson (68), finishing on 258. However, Axar Patel’s four-wicket spell ensured the hosts could not post a bigger total.
Well played India!
