Colombo erupted in cheers as India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs in a thrilling T20 encounter on Sunday. All-rounder Axar Patel, who starred with the ball taking 2 for 29, dismissed any talk of rivalry post-match. ‘It was just a match against a team, nothing more,’ he emphasized, focusing purely on cricket.
Axar revealed the team’s mindset was locked on executing their game plan flawlessly. ‘We weren’t thinking about India vs Pakistan narratives or batting against their bowling attack. Our focus was on sticking to our strategies in batting and bowling,’ he said. This clinical approach propelled India to post 175 for 7 after electing to bat first, powered by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77.
Pakistan crumbled to 114 all out in 18 overs, with Axar dismantling their top order by dismissing Babar Azam and Usman Khan. ‘When I’m on the field, I don’t dwell on opponents or rivalries. It’s all about my process,’ the left-arm spinner added, underscoring his professional demeanor.
The Colombo crowd’s overwhelming support didn’t go unnoticed. ‘Our fans follow us everywhere – Australia, England, West Indies. It’s incredible,’ Axar noted. He reserved special praise for Kishan: ‘That was one of his best knocks. The pitch was tricky with spin and inconsistent bounce under the lights. Ishan’s confidence and skill shone through as he played shots all around the park.’
India’s dominant performance reaffirms their supremacy in high-stakes games, proving that execution trumps emotion every time. As the team marches on, Axar’s words serve as a reminder: cricket remains just that – a sport.