India finally made a solid comeback after straight T20I losses in the ongoing Europe tour, as the Men in Blue started the three-match ODI series against the hosts England with a strong victory at Birmingham and took a 1-0 lead in the series. Indian all-rounder Axar Patel was the hero of the match by producing one of the most memorable all-round performances in Indian cricket history.
After England chose to bat first, they got a good start with 61/0, but suddenly they were down to 107/6. With the help of Joe Root (76 not out off 76 balls) and Liam Dawson (68 off 83 balls), the hosts put on some crucial battles by scoring 258 before getting all out in 47.5 overs.
Axar Patel claimed 4-fer; His best ODI bowling figures
The left-arm spinner Axar Patel produced his best-ever ODI bowling performance, as he ended with the bowling figures of 9.5-0-62-4. He picked all the last four wickets in the England innings, as the hosts were all out before reaching a challenging total. He also broke the 121-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Root and Dawson.
Axar Patel scored crucial half-century
Later, when the visitors were fighting at 160/4, along with captain Shubman Gill retired hurt for 80 not out off 75 balls, Axar batted smartly with Washington Sundar, as their 102-run partnership for the unbroken fifth wicket guided India to a six-wicket win with 28 balls remaining. While Washington scored 52 not out off 63 balls, Player of the Match Axar scored 57 not out off 52 balls.
50+ score and 4-fer in same ODI: Axar Patel created history
Axar became the third Indian to record 50+ runs and a four-wicket haul or more in the same ODI outside India, while he became the second Indian after Hardik Pandya to achieve this feat outside Asia. In the meantime, it was the eighth time in Indian cricket history when a player recorded 50+ runs and a four-wicket haul or more in the same ODI match.
Sachin Tendulkar – 141 & 4/38 vs Australia at Dhaka in 1998
Hardik Pandya – 71 & 4/24 vs England at Manchester in 2022
Axar Patel – 57* & 4/62 vs England at Birmingham in 2026
