T20 World Cup 2024: Pant And Axar's Partnership Clinches Victory For India Against Pakistan

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant shared how batting with teammate Axar Patel alleviated the pressure during India's victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday, June 9, in New York.

India found themselves in a challenging position at 19 for 2 in 2.4 overs. Pant and Axar managed to stabilize the innings, leading the team to a respectable score of 119. India then restricted Pakistan to 113/7, securing a 6-run win at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

Axar scored 20 off 18 balls, while Pant contributed 42 off 31 balls. The duo batted under difficult conditions, ensuring India had enough runs to defend against Pakistan.

After the match, Pant and Axar discussed their strategies in a video posted by BCCI on 'Chahal TV,' hosted by spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

Pant explained his approach when he came to bat in a tense situation. He emphasized playing with a positive mindset, which was easier with his Delhi Capitals teammate by his side.

"India-Pakistan is always a high-pressure match. When Bapu (Axar) came in, he had practiced batting at number three or four throughout the IPL. Having your mate with you makes you comfortable. We communicated well and didn't overthink the situation," Pant said.

Axar, promoted to number four in the batting order, mentioned that Pant's light-hearted approach helped ease the tension between deliveries.

"There was no time for planning when I learned I was going to bat at four. Once I went out to bat, it became easy. Our captain (Pant) wasn't discussing cricket; he was joking around," Axar said.

"He knew that would help me relax. He kept talking to me on every ball, making it easier. That was our simple plan."