Axar Patel made amends for an earlier error when he took an unbelievable jumping catch to send David Miller back in the third T20I at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday. Patel had thrown away an easy opportunity when Ryan Rickelton was on 0, giving South African batter a second lease of life during his side’s chase of 220. But he made amends by getting rid of Miller, which was the most crucial breakthrough, because Miller has been a thorn in the side for top teams in the middle overs.
WATCH- Axar Patel Takes A Stunning Catch
What a grab axar game changing moment kudos to axar Patel#indvssat20 #AxarPatel pic.twitter.com/5FxCRAYOCb
---Advertisement---— Kiran kumar (@Kirankumar324) November 13, 2024
David Miller was dismissed on a short delivery from Hardik Pandya in the fifth ball of the 16th over, he managed to pull it well but here came Axar Patel as he made a perfect leap and pulled both hands to grab the ball, shocking everyone. Miller, who faced a ball with 18 off 18 balls, was forced to walk back after Axar’s superb catch ended his innings.
Also Read: No Rain, No Badlight! IND vs SA 3rd T20I Gets Halted Due To This Unique Reason
T20 World Cup Final Flashback For Miller
India vs South Africa matches have always witnessed intense rivalries and one of the top moment that goes down in history was Suryakumar Yadav’s excellent catch of David Miller in the T20 World Cup Final. Miller was batting at 21 and Pandya was bowling. South Africa was almost nearing a victory but Suryakumar Yadav’s catch took India out from jaws of defeat and turned the tables following which India clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.
In India vs South Africa, 3rd T20I, Miller was again dismissed by Axar Patel with a stunning flying catch, he was batting at the score of 18 when Pandya bowled a delivery which Miller quickly hit but it went straight to Patel.
One thing common between the two is Hardik Pandya dismissed David Miller in both T20 World Cup Final and India vs South Africa 3rd T20I.
WATCH- Suryakumar Yadav’s Epic Catch In T20 World Cup 2024 Final
Surya Kumar Yadav deserves Padma award for this catch….. He didn't catch the ball, he caught the world Cup…
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) June 29, 2024
pic.twitter.com/ffukwAQZ9T
SA Vs IND, 3rd T20I: As It Happened
Heinrich Klaasen’s 41 made significant contribution for South Africa, and Marco Jansen’s late charge sort of kept the game alive in the hands of the Proteas. Jansen smacked a 16-ball fifty in less than 20 deliveries, and South Africa was suddenly close to an unlikely victory over the men in blue. Arshdeep Singh then bowled three bouncers in a row to Jansen, trapping him LBW with just three balls left to seal the deal for India.
Tilak Varma’s Brilliant 107
India had built a good total earlier in the day, with Tilak Varma’s excellent unbeaten 107 becoming the bedrock of the innings. The South African run-chase had started off at a horror show as Ryan Rickelton (20) could not cash in on his luck after two close calls, having been dropped by Axar, who went on to chop one onto his stumps. Reeza Hendricks (21) was stumped off Varun Chakravarthy soon afterwards.
Also Read: IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Tilak Varma Smashes Maiden International Hundred In 52 Balls
Varun Chakravarthy’s Spin For The Win
Falling into the trap of improving the overall average, South Africa captain Aiden Markram lost quickly by dragging a short delivery from Chakravarthy to midwicket. Axar Patel has also sent in lbw Tristan Stubbs (12) as the spin attack from India tightens its noose around South Africa’s neck. The otherwise clueless Klaasen has briefly threatened to turn the tide with three massive sixes off Chakravarthy, one of which hit the roof of the top tier. But Chakravarthy responded with a smart delivery to send him back, with Suryakumar Yadav misjudging the catch.
However, Jansen and Klaasen showed spirit in the last overs to finally make a little difference. India held their nerve to seal victory, thus giving themselves an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the four-match series. The final game is scheduled to be played in Johannesburg on November 15.
