Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India’s innings stumbled early with the quick dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav within the powerplay.
Despite the setbacks, Virat Kohli and Axar Patel steadied the ship, guiding the score to 75/3 in 10 overs. However, Patel’s innings came to a sudden halt with an unfortunate run-out in the 14th over.
The pivotal moment occurred when Kagiso Rabada bowled a full-length delivery to Kohli on the fourth ball of the 14th over. Kohli attempted to work the ball to the leg side but missed, allowing it to brush his thigh pad and roll towards Quinton de Kock, the Proteas’ wicketkeeper.
De Kock reacted swiftly, collecting the ball and making a precise throw to the non-striker’s end. Amidst a miscommunication between Kohli and Axar, Axar hesitated in responding to Kohli’s call for a quick single. As de Kock’s throw hit the stumps, Axar was found short of his crease.
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The ball, after hitting the stumps, continued to the boundary ropes as de Kock began celebrating. The third umpire confirmed the dismissal with the giant screen flashing ‘Out,’ leading to Axar’s departure and sparking reactions across Twitter.