(Video) Axar Patel follows Glenn Phillips’ path in taking a stunner to eliminate Rachin Ravindra

Axar Patel took a stunning dive to take a catch to dismiss New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra, almost emulating Glenn Phillips.

(Video) Axar Patel follows Glenn Phillips’ path in taking a stunner to eliminate Rachin Ravindra

Axar Patel took a diving catch to eliminate Rachin Ravindra, while helping India claim a win over New Zealand. (via Instagram)

In a day marked by Glenn Phillips‘ heroic fielding on the pitch, Indian all-rounder Axar Patel did not stay back from taking a stunner for his side. The 31-year-old took an impressive running catch to send back New Zealand opener Rachin Ravindra.

India had opted to bat first against a resurgent New Zealand side, with both sides coming off the back of two straight victories in the group stages. Despite having lost some early wickets, India posted a competitive total of 249 runs, thanks to an emphatic knock from Shreyas Iyer. In response, the Kiwis could only manage to score 205 runs, suffering a 44-run defeat.

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Axar Patel, who helped ensure stability in India’s batting order after a top-order collapse, scored a crucial 42 runs of 61 deliveries. Not only did he shine with the bat, but the Gujarati-boy also took a diving catch to dismiss Kiwi opener Rachin Ravindra during the match. Ravindra was shown the way out after having scored just six runs off 12 balls, giving India a much-needed breakthrough.

In the final ball of the fourth over, Hardik Pandya smartly bowled a slow bounder outside the off-stump. Ravindra attempted a ramp shot over his head. However, he mistimed it towards deep third. Sensing the opportunity, Axar Patel after initially failing to judge it, ran in time and dived to grab the ball. He managed to keep hold of it, despite falling heavily on his elbows.

While it was not similar to Glenn Phillips‘ one-handed catch to dismiss Virat Kohli, Patel’s match did leave fans and teammates mesmerized. Teammate Hardik Pandya surprisingly started clapping like a child, to celebrate Axar Patel’s catch.

Kane Williamson’s gravity-defying catch to dismiss Axar Patel stuns social media users

New Zealand batter and former skipper Kane Williamson showed off his athleticism with a gravity-defying one-handed catch, in a Champions Trophy encounter against India. The 34-year-old veteran batsman took the screamer to end Axar Patel’s innings.

Kane Williamson catch to dismiss Axar Patel
Kane Williamson caught a stunning one-handed catch, to send Axar Patel back to the pavilion. (via Cricket Addictor)

In the 30th over of the match, Axar Patel went on to play a shot against Rachin Ravindra. However, the ball went up in the air. Batting on 42 runs, he was caught out by Kane Williamson. He tried to emulate his teammate Glenn Phillips’ earlier catch. Williamson ran backwards to gulp the ball with his one hand, while keeping his eyes set on the ball.

Moreover, the Kiwi batter went on to play a brilliant innings for his side, scoring 81 runs off 120 balls. However, his effort went in vain, as India went on to claim a win. Williamson was interestingly sent his way back the pavilion by Axar Patel.