India faced Bangladesh in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Indian bowlers dominated early, restricting Bangladesh to a poor start. However, a crucial dropped catch by Rohit Sharma denied Axar Patel a historic hat-trick and several records.
- Axar Patel was on the verge of a hat-trick against Bangladesh.
- Rohit Sharma dropped Jaker Ali, missing a golden opportunity.
- This mistake cost Axar Patel at least four major cricket records.
Bangladesh’s Struggles in the First Innings
Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first. However, Mohammed Shami struck early, removing Soumya Sarkar in the first over. In the next over, Harshit Rana dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto, pushing Bangladesh on the back foot.
Soon after, Mehidy Hasan Miraz also fell, leaving Bangladesh at 26/3 in the seventh over. Their opener, Tanzid Hasan, looked steady, but he needed to anchor the innings to a respectable total.
Axar Patel’s Magic Spell
To increase pressure, Rohit Sharma brought in Axar Patel. The left-arm spinner made an immediate impact, dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim on consecutive deliveries. The stage was set for a hat-trick, a rare feat in international cricket.
Rohit Sharma Drops a Crucial Catch
On Axar’s hat-trick ball, Jaker Ali edged a delivery straight to Rohit Sharma at first slip. However, Rohit dropped the simple chance, denying Axar a place in cricket history. Had the catch been taken, Axar Patel would have secured multiple records.
If not for Rohit dropping the catch,
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 20, 2025
Axar Patel would achieve several records in the hat-trick.
🔹 Axar would become first player with hat-trick on Debut in ICC ODI events
🔹 Axar would become the first Indian spinner to take hat-trick in men's ICC events
🔹 Jerome Taylor🏝️ now… pic.twitter.com/xnzCc1k7ct
Records Axar Patel Missed Due to the Drop
Axar Patel was moments away from writing history. The following records would have been his:
- First Indian to take a hat-trick in ICC Champions Trophy history
- Only the third Indian spinner to achieve a hat-trick in ODIs
- Fastest hat-trick in ICC tournament history (3 balls, 3 wickets)
- Best bowling figures for an Indian spinner in Champions Trophy
Impact on India’s Performance
Despite the missed opportunity, India maintained control over the game. The bowling attack remained relentless, keeping Bangladesh under pressure. However, cricket fans and analysts continue to debate how this drop may have affected Axar’s legacy.
Dropped catches are a part of cricket, but some moments define careers. Rohit Sharma’s drop prevented Axar Patel from achieving history. While India still dominated the match, Patel’s missed hat-trick will remain a major talking point in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
