In spite of West Indies dominating through the major part of the defense, Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson’s work effort alongside some contributions from the lower order brought the game down to the last over in the 2nd ODI in Port of Spain on Sunday. India required 8 runs to win the game and secure the series. However, Axar Patel was totally left to himself with Mohammed Siraj at the other end and Yuzvendra Chahal waiting in the dug-out. In any case, the all-rounder held his nerves to clobber a huge six-over long-off in the fourth ball of the over as India ended the chase with a two-wicket victory. Following the series win, Siraj talked about the tensed last over and his conversation with Axar.
Indeed, even with his twin boundaries, Avesh Khan helped India’s cause in the run chase in the penultimate over prior to being dismissed. Siraj strolled in for the last over to help Axar. The all-rounder couldn’t take a chance with a single as Siraj is not known for his batting. Thus when Axar slogged the fuller delivery from Kyle Mayers towards deep mid-wicket on the second ball, he wanted a second run, but failed to return.
Talking about the moment after the match, Siraj, in conversation with BCCI.tv, uncovered that the manner in which Axar spoke about the chase and way in which he was all pumped up to finish it off, rubbed on him as well. He added that he too felt he could clobber that ball, the third delivery in the over, for a six. However, as Siraj portrayed, he sensibly pushed for a single to bring Axar on strike.
“Axar ko dekh ke lag raha tha ki jaise woh baat kar raha tha, jaise woh pumped tha, alag hi feel ho raha tha. Mujhe bhi feel ho raha tha hi mai bhi maar dunga chakka. But sensible yehi tha ki mera single lena,” he said.
Reactions from the dugout and change room as @akshar2026 sealed the ODI series in style 😎👏#TeamIndia #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/ZB8B6CMEbP
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 25, 2022
