NEW DELHI: India all-rounder Axar Patel is reported to be “doing fine” after suffering a blow to the head while fielding in Friday’s Asia Cup Group A clash against Oman, India’s fielding coach T Dilip confirmed after the match. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The incident occurred in the 15th over when Axar, stationed at mid-off, ran to his left to stop a miscued shot from Hammad Mirza. After fumbling twice and losing his balance attempting a third grab, Axar was seen clutching the top of his head and walking off the field.He did not return for the remainder of Oman’s innings and bowled just one over.
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Earlier, Axar had contributed a quickfire 26 off 13 balls, including three boundaries and a six, at No. 5. His presence is crucial for India, providing balance with his ability to float in the middle order. India defeated a spirited Oman side by 21 runs, posting 188/8 and restricting Oman to 167/4, despite top knocks from Aamir Kaleem (64) and Hammad Mirza (51). Kaleem and Mirza’s 93-run partnership for the second wicket put India under pressure, only for Hardik Pandya to break the stand with a stunning outfield catch and dismiss Mirza in the next over. Arshdeep Singh claimed his 100th T20I wicket, becoming the first Indian bowler to reach the milestone.Sanju Samson (56) and Abhishek Sharma (38 off 14 balls) laid the foundation for India’s total. Oman’s left-arm quicks Shah Faisal and Jiten Ramanandi, along with spinner Kaleem, took two wickets each.India now face Pakistan in Dubai in under 48 hours, but Axar’s fitness for the Super Four clash remains uncertain. Both India and Pakistan have progressed from Group A, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advance from Group B to set up the next stage of the Asia Cup.
