Axar Patel Shares Strategy for Imam-ul-Haq’s Run-Out in CT Match
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was filled with thrilling matches, and one of the most memorable ones was the clash between India and Pakistan. The match was a nail-biter, with both teams giving their all to outdo each other. In the end, India emerged victorious, thanks in part to Axar Patel’s clever run-out of Imam-ul-Haq.
In a recent interview with ICC, Axar Patel shared his thought process behind Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out, giving fans a glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s best spinners. According to Axar, the movement was exactly what he expected, and he was able to make a direct hit thanks to his preparation.
The Scenario
The match was already heating up when Axar Patel came on to bowl in the 15th over. Pakistan was in a good position, with Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman at the crease, looking to build a partnership and take the game away from India. Axar knew that he had to be precise with his bowling and make the most of the opportunities that came his way.
Imam-ul-Haq, in particular, was looking threatening, having already hit a few boundaries off Axar’s bowling. However, Axar was determined to get him out and make a breakthrough for India. He knew that if he could get Imam-ul-Haq out, it would be a massive blow to Pakistan’s chances of winning the match.
The Run-Out
As Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman were running between wickets, Axar Patel saw his chance to strike. He knew that he had to be quick and precise with his throw to get Imam-ul-Haq out. He took a few seconds to assess the situation and then launched the ball towards the stumps, hoping to hit the target.
To Axar’s relief, his throw was spot on, and he was able to make a direct hit, dismissing Imam-ul-Haq and leaving Pakistan reeling. The crowd went into a frenzy as India celebrated the wicket, knowing that they had just gained a significant advantage in the match.
Axar’s Strategy
After the match, Axar Patel spoke to ICC about his strategy behind Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out. “The movement was same as I expected and I was able to make a direct hit,” he said. “After it happened, I told myself that it was good that I visualized the ball before, so I was prepared for it.”
Axar explained that he had studied Imam-ul-Haq’s movements and knew that he was a bit slower between wickets. He also knew that Imam-ul-Haq was more aggressive on the leg side, which gave Axar an opportunity to target him.
“I knew that Imam-ul-Haq was a bit slower between wickets, so I decided to bowl a slightly fuller length to him,” Axar said. “I also wanted to make sure that I got the ball to turn a bit, which would make it difficult for him to take a single. When Fakhar Zaman was running, I knew that I had to be quick and precise with my throw to get Imam-ul-Haq out.”
The Impact
Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out had a significant impact on the match, as Pakistan struggled to recover from the loss of their key batsman. India went on to win the match by 35 runs, thanks in part to Axar Patel’s clever bowling and his run-out of Imam-ul-Haq.
The win was a massive boost for India, who went on to win the Champions Trophy title. Axar Patel’s performance in the match was one of the highlights of the tournament, and his strategy behind Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out was a testament to his skill and experience as a bowler.
Conclusion
Axar Patel’s strategy behind Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out is a great example of how a bowler can outsmart a batsman and gain an advantage in a match. By studying Imam-ul-Haq’s movements and knowing his strengths and weaknesses, Axar was able to prepare himself for the situation and make a direct hit to dismiss the batsman.
As a blogger, it’s fascinating to see the thought process behind a bowler’s decision-making during a match. Axar Patel’s strategy is a great example of how a bowler can use his skills and experience to outdo a batsman and gain an advantage in a match.
