Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya took a juggling catch to dismiss Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis in the Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Monday, June 24. The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia is hosting the encounter.
The incident took place on the first ball of the 15th over. It was a flat delivery from Axar Patel outside off-stump and Stoinis unleashed a reverse sweep. The ball was hit powerfully and went straight to Hardik at backward point. The ball popped out of the all-rounder's hands initially, but he managed to grab it on the second attempt.
Watch the clip here:
It is worth noting that Marcus Stoinis has a dismal record against left-arm spinner Axar Patel. The two have gone up against each other eight times, with Stoinis scoring only 22 runs off 40 deliveries at an average of 5.50 and a strike rate of 55. The Indian spinner has dismissed the Aussie cricketer four times.
Jasprit Bumrah removes Travis Head to put India back in the contest
After asking Australia to chase 206 for a place in the semi-finals, Arshdeep Singh gave India a flying start by dismissing David Warner cheaply. However, the Men in Blue's recurring nightmare, Travis Head, got going from the other hand, easily neutralizing Jasprit Bumrah.
Runs came easily for the Aussies and they looked comfortable in the chase with Head looking dangerous. A bowling change from Rohit Sharma, which saw Bumrah return for another burst, yielded dividends for the inaugural T20 World Cup champions.
The ace speedster bowled a change-of-pace delivery and Head was beaten by the lack of speed. The southpaw could only manage to find a thick outside edge, giving Rohit an easy catch at covers.
Wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade also followed suit soon after, as Australia were reduced to 153/6 in 17.1 overs, with Tim David and Pat Cummins in the middle.
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