NEW DELHI: In the first match of the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan, India's spinner Axar Patel made an unusual request to the on-field umpire during the chilly night in Mohali.
Patel asked if he could wear a glove on one hand while bowling, considering the extreme cold conditions. However, the umpire declined the request, and Patel had to continue without the added protection.
Axar Patel, who had a notable performance in the match, taking two wickets while conceding 23 runs in four overs, later explained, "I wasn't feeling the ball; it was very cold. We knew it was winter and would be cold, but I was only thinking about my bowling, how to put pressure on them. There was a lot of dew, but I focused on my accuracy."
"(Maine umpire se poocha tha ki main ek haath me gloves pehen ke bowling kar lu, lekin unhone mana kar diya) I had asked the umpire if I can wear a glove in one hand, but he said no," he added.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, Patel showcased his dedication to the game. In the post-match press conference, he emphasized his commitment to giving his best and not letting concerns about World Cup team selection create unnecessary pressure.
"Right now, I want to focus on the IPL, and then we also have a Test series against England coming up soon," Patel stated.
1/10:All-round Dube helps India beat Afghanistan in chilly T20I opener
ANI
2/10:Shivam Dube's unbeaten fifty
All-rounder Shivam Dube (60* off 40 balls) defied bitterly cold weather to hit an unbeaten half-century for India.PTI
3/10:India take 1-0 lead vs Afghanistan
India eased to a comfortable six-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first Twenty20 international.PTI
4/10:India's bowlers restrict Afghanistan
India's bowlers led by spinner Axar Patel restricted Afghanistan to 158/5 despite an attacking 42 by Mohammad Nabi.AFP
5/10:Chilly weather in Mohali
Temperatures plummeted to just nine degrees (48 Fahrenheit) in the northern city of Mohali where summer heat can soar to a scorching 40-plus degrees.ANI
6/10:Positive performance by spinners
"There were a lot of positives, especially with the ball. Wasn't the easiest of conditions but our spinners bowled particularly well," India skipper Rohit Sharma said.AFP
7/10:Key partnerships in India's chase
Shivam Dube steered the chase with key partnerships including a 45-run stand with Jitesh Sharma, who made 31, and an unbeaten 42 with Rinku Singh, 16 not out.PTI
8/10:Man of the Match: Shivam Dube
The 30-year-old Shivam Dube (1/9 & 60*) won the game with a six and four and was named man of the match.ANI
9/10:Afghanistan's batting struggles
Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on 50 for the opening wicket before the Indian bowlers hit back with Axar returning figures of 2-23.AP
10/10:Afghanistan's fielding woes
"We were quite lazy with the fielding today," Afghanistan skipper Ibrahim Zadran said. "We will try to improve batting as well. Bowling we have no issue. Will focus on what we did wrong today."PTITeam India is gearing up for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, with just two more T20Is remaining before the tournament. Patel acknowledged the intense competition for a spot in the Indian team and emphasized his focus on improving his skill sets.
In the same T20 clash, all-rounder Shivam Dube battled the bitterly cold weather to score an unbeaten half-century and contribute with the ball, helping India secure a comfortable win over Afghanistan. India now lead the three-match series 1-0, setting the stage for further preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.
