Table of Contents
India and Bangladesh are locking horns in the second match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh, after winning the toss, opted to bat first, looking to set a challenging total against a formidable Indian bowling attack. However, the moment that stole the spotlight was Axar Patel’s near hat-trick, which was ultimately denied due to a costly drop by Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
Axar Patel strikes twice in two balls
The dramatic sequence unfolded in the eighth over of the innings. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel, brought into the attack, made an instant impact, striking twice in consecutive deliveries.
On the second ball of the over, Axar bowled a flat-length delivery outside off-stump to Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan, who attempted to cut it through the off-side but only managed to edge it behind. Wicketkeeper KL Rahul made no mistake in grabbing the catch, but Axar seemed unsure whether there was any contact with the bat. However, the umpire’s delayed but firm decision sent Tanzid back to the pavilion for 25 off 25 balls.
With confidence soaring, Axar delivered another brilliant ball on the very next delivery, this time to Mushfiqur Rahim. The veteran Bangladeshi batter leaned forward to defend, but the ball spun away slightly, taking the shoulder of his bat before nestling safely in Rahul’s gloves once again. The Indians erupted in celebration as Mushfiqur departed for a golden duck.
Hat-trick ball drama
With two wickets in two balls, Axar stood on the brink of a hat-trick. The pressure was on new batter Jaker Ali as he took guard. Axar bowled a well-flighted delivery just outside off, drawing Jaker into a defensive push. The ball took the outside edge and flew towards first slip, where Rohit Sharma was perfectly positioned.
However, in a shocking moment, the Indian skipper dropped what appeared to be a routine catch. As the ball popped out of his hands, Rohit hit the ground multiple times in frustration, fully aware that he had just denied Axar a dream hat-trick. Axar, who was visibly disappointed, could only accept his captain’s apology as the golden opportunity slipped away.
Axar Patel picks up two wickets in two balls, but on the third delivery, Rohit Sharma drops a catch.
– Axar misses his hat-trick.#ChampionsTrophy2025 #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/uOnycEWaZW
— Huzaifa (@Huzaifa_Says11) February 20, 2025
Rohit Sharma drops Axar Patel's hat-trick ball! Have to feel for axar. Totally deserved a hat trick there. #IndvsBan #INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/Cv9PomRuMO
— Akshat Om (@AkshatOM10) February 20, 2025
Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from ICC Champions Trophy 2025 leaves Mehidy Hasan Miraz relieved
India maintains control against Bangladesh
Despite Rohit’s blunder, India remained in control, keeping Bangladesh’s batters in check with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Axar continued to bowl with precision, while the rest of the Indian attack ensured that Bangladesh struggled to build momentum.
Bangladesh were 62/5 by the end of the 15th over, Towhid Hridoy (14*) and Jake Ali (15*) battling against the quality Indian bowling attack.
