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Axar Patel Almost Wraps a Hat-Trick | BAN v IND | Champions Trophy 2025
The Champions Trophy 2025 has been filled with exciting cricket, dramatic moments, and unforgettable performances. One of the most thrilling spectacles came when Axar Patel, the left-arm orthodox spinner from India, found himself just one ball away from an elusive hat-trick during the match between India and Bangladesh. While he ultimately missed out on completing the hat-trick, the sequence of events surrounding the near-feat was nothing short of electrifying.
In a tense match, where the stakes were high and every delivery was crucial, Axar Patel delivered a spell that had the cricketing world on the edge of their seats. Here’s a detailed recount of how Axar Patel almost created history and how the match unfolded in a way that showcased not just his skill but the dynamics of modern-day cricket.
The Setting: India vs Bangladesh, Champions Trophy 2025
The match between India and Bangladesh had all the ingredients of a thrilling encounter: a high-profile tournament like the Champions Trophy, two cricketing powerhouses, and a well-balanced contest between bat and ball. Bangladesh, having been one of the rising forces in world cricket in recent years, came into the match with confidence, but India, led by Rohit Sharma, was determined to maintain their dominance.
India’s bowlers were expected to play a pivotal role, and it was the spinners, led by Axar Patel, who were crucial in breaking the middle order of the Bangladesh batting lineup. With the conditions offering some assistance to spin, Axar Patel was given the ball during the middle overs, and he immediately started to make an impact.
Axar Patel’s Spell: The Road to the Hat-Trick
Axar Patel’s bowling throughout the tournament had already earned him praise, but this was a match that would define his career. As he began his spell, he was tasked with containing the Bangladesh batsmen, particularly after India had already picked up some early wickets. The pressure was mounting on Bangladesh, and Axar was tasked with maintaining the pressure while looking for wickets.
It didn’t take long for Axar to make his mark. He found his rhythm early, bowling tight, controlled deliveries that forced the Bangladesh batsmen to play cautiously. His flighted deliveries and subtle variations were challenging to handle, especially for the middle-order batsmen who were struggling to find the right tempo.
In the 30th over, Axar struck first, dismissing the dangerous Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s key players. The ball drifted in, and Shakib, attempting to play an expansive shot, was clean bowled. The wicket brought Axar to life, and the fielding team followed suit, feeding off his energy. It was clear that Axar had a chance to push for more wickets and possibly achieve something remarkable.
As Bangladesh’s batting order wobbled, Axar continued his spell, changing the course of the game. His accuracy and control allowed him to consistently build pressure. But then came the moment when the impossible seemed achievable — Axar Patel was on the verge of a hat-trick.
The Hat-Trick Chance: Axar’s Near-Miss
In the very next over, Axar was at it again. He bowled a brilliant delivery to Litton Das, one of Bangladesh’s most talented and aggressive batsmen. The ball turned sharply and caught the edge of Litton’s bat, flying straight into the hands of India’s slip fielder, Virat Kohli. The crowd erupted in celebration, and India’s bench could barely contain their joy. Axar Patel had picked up two wickets in consecutive balls — just one more needed for a hat-trick, a feat that would put him among the elite group of bowlers who have achieved this in ODIs.
The Indian team could sense history being made. The players rallied around Axar, all eyes focused on the next ball. The field placements were adjusted, the tension in the air was palpable, and the camera zoomed in on the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, as he urged Axar to stay calm and focused. The excitement among the fans was growing louder with every passing moment.
But the hat-trick was not to be. Axar Patel bowled his next delivery with all the intent of completing the hat-trick, but this time, Afif Hossain, Bangladesh’s number seven batsman, played a resilient shot. The ball turned but not enough to trouble him, and Afif survived. The opportunity had passed. Axar Patel was denied his first-ever ODI hat-trick by a single delivery, but his bowling effort had already turned the match in India’s favor.
The Aftermath: A Mixture of Emotions
Although Axar Patel missed out on a hat-trick, the energy and emotions following the near-feat were intense. Axar was visibly disappointed but remained composed. He knew that taking two wickets in as many balls was a fantastic achievement in itself, and that he still had a crucial role to play in India’s pursuit of victory.
Rohit Sharma, who had been closely following the action, was quick to console Axar after the hat-trick opportunity slipped away. It was a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect within the Indian team that such a moment, though a personal disappointment for Axar, was embraced with positivity. The captain showed his support with a few encouraging words and a pat on the back, reminding Axar that the game was still in India’s hands.
The dropped hat-trick was also a reminder of how fleeting moments in cricket can be. One ball can turn a match, and even the best bowlers sometimes miss out on what seems like a guaranteed wicket. But Axar’s performance, and the way he handled the moment, spoke volumes about his maturity as a cricketer.
Bangladesh’s Response: Battling Through the Pressure
In the aftermath of Axar’s near-hat-trick, Bangladesh’s tail-enders were under immense pressure. They knew that they had to survive against Axar’s spin and the relentless Indian bowling attack. Axar Patel, with two wickets in consecutive balls, had already made his mark, and the pressure was mounting on the Bangladesh lower-order.
The experienced Mashrafe Mortaza and Mustafizur Rahman tried to stabilize things, but they could not withstand the pressure for long. Axar Patel, along with India’s other bowlers, kept the heat on, and Bangladesh’s middle order crumbled. In the end, Axar picked up another wicket in the later overs, but his hat-trick was something that remained just out of reach. Bangladesh’s innings folded, and India emerged victorious with a comprehensive win, but Axar’s performance was the standout story of the match.
Axar’s Perspective: A Display of Professionalism
In the post-match interviews, Axar Patel reflected on the moment. He explained that while it was disappointing to have missed the hat-trick, he was proud of how he bowled and how the team performed as a whole. “Cricket is a funny game. Sometimes you get the wickets, and sometimes you don’t. But at the end of the day, the team’s success is the most important thing,” Axar said with a smile.
He expressed gratitude for the support he received from his teammates, especially from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who had given him the confidence to keep going despite the near-miss. Axar also mentioned how he cherished the opportunity to bowl in such high-pressure moments, which he believed would only help him grow as a cricketer.
The Legacy of the Moment: Axar Patel’s Growth
Though Axar Patel did not get his maiden ODI hat-trick, his performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Bangladesh remains one of the highlights of his career. It was a reflection of his growing importance in India’s limited-overs team and his ability to rise to the occasion when the team needed him the most.
Axar has always been known for his skillful bowling and reliable contributions, but this match cemented his place as a key player in India’s arsenal. His composure in handling the disappointment of the near-hat-trick showed maturity beyond his years, and his performance throughout the Champions Trophy solidified his reputation as one of India’s finest all-rounders.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Although Axar Patel’s almost-hat-trick was one of the key moments in the match, it was ultimately India’s team effort that won them the game. Axar’s ability to take wickets, control the game through his spin, and handle pressure with grace was a major factor in the win.
As India moved on to the next stages of the Champions Trophy 2025, Axar Patel’s performance was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket. One ball can change everything, but it is how a player responds to those moments that defines their career. For Axar Patel, the near-hat-trick was just another stepping stone in his journey toward greater success. The future looks bright for this talented all-rounder, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the day when he finally completes that elusive hat-trick.
