"Even in IPL, we were like...."-Axar Patel reveals how IPL helped him after playing a heroic innings in 2nd ODI vs West Indies
However, it was the visiting team that held the nerves to pull off one of the biggest chases in ODI matches. With this victory, India has registered their 12th successive series win against the West Indies, which is the most by a team against one opponent. India has also taken a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match ODIs.
The hero of the match was Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, who played a blinder of an innings to clinch a record win. He made his maiden ODI half-century and scored 64 not out off 35 balls with three fours and five maximums. He came out to bat in the 39th over, when India needed 105 runs.
Notably, this was the first time that India scored over 100 runs in a successful chase in the last 10 overs. After the match, in a video shared by the BCCI on Chahal TV, the all-rounder talked about his batting plans during his innings.
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This episode ft., 2nd #WIvIND ODI batting hero - @akshar2026 & ODI debutant @Avesh_6. 👍 👍 - By @28anand
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He said that when he came out to the crease, he discussed with Deepak Hooda that they needed 105 runs in 11 overs, which was around 9.5 or 10 runs per over. Axar also stated that they stuck to the plan and didn't worry about how many runs they needed; they just kept going.
Furthermore, he said, Even in IPL these many runs are scored in 10 overs. So, we were like we will keep our intent and it will become easy for us. We won't think that 100 runs were needed."
He, along with Hooda (33), made a vital 51-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Despite losing the wickets in the end, Axar kept his cool and took his team over the line. Earlier, batting first, the hosts made a big total of 312/6.
Shai Hope scored a century in his 100th ODI game and became the 10th player to do so and the fourth West Indian player to do so. Now both teams will lock horns in the third and final game on Wednesday at the same venue.