The 'Turning' point: Axar Patel's guile to dismiss Finn Allen | WATCH

Axar Patel spearheaded a disciplined Indian bowling display in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. Despite a nervous start in the field, the Men in Blue tightened their grip on the trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The drama began in the opening over when Shivam Dube spilt a straightforward chance to dismiss Finn Allen. Having smashed a 33-ball century in the semi-final, Allen appeared poised to punish the error. However, captain Suryakumar Yadav’s tactical shift to introduce his deputy, Axar Patel, proved inspired.

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Axar, often hailed as India’s shortest-format MVP, removed Allen for 9 after the opener holed out to Tilak Varma at long-on. The pressure intensified as Jasprit Bumrah entered the fray, dismissing Rachin Ravindra with his first delivery. Axar soon added a second scalp, bowling Glenn Phillips to leave the Kiwis reeling within the powerplay. Chasing a mammoth 256, New Zealand’s hopes now rest on a monumental recovery against a relentless Indian attack. (With inputs from Agencies)