Axar Patel Creates History with Six Sixes in T20I
Axar Patel etched his name in the record books by becoming the first Indian spinner to hit six sixes in a T20I innings. The milestone was achieved during the second T20I match between India and England on July 4, 2026, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
The left-arm spinner showcased his batting prowess by smashing six maximums off the English bowlers, propelling India to a commanding total. His explosive knock came off just 31 balls, scoring 65 runs at a strike rate of 209.68.
Match Performance and Key Moments
Batting at number seven, Patel walked in when India were in a spot of bother at 89 for 4 in the 12th over. He then launched a counter-attack, targeting England's spinners and pacers alike. He particularly took a liking to Adil Rashid, hitting him for three sixes in an over.
Patel's innings included six sixes and three fours, with a boundary off Chris Jordan bringing up his half-century in just 24 balls. His partnership with Hardik Pandya (58 off 30) added 103 runs for the fifth wicket in just 7.1 overs, turning the game in India's favor.
Historical Context and Records
This feat makes Patel the first Indian spinner to hit six sixes in a T20I innings. Overall, he is the fourth Indian to achieve this after Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav. Among spinners globally, he joins an elite list that includes New Zealand's Colin Munro and West Indies' Kieron Pollard.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Patel's six sixes are the most by an Indian spinner in a T20I innings, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal's previous best of three sixes. Patel's strike rate of 209.68 is also the highest for an Indian spinner scoring a fifty in T20Is.
Impact on the Series
India posted a formidable total of 198 for 5 in their 20 overs, largely due to Patel's heroics. In response, England were restricted to 152 for 7, handing India a 46-run victory. The win leveled the five-match series at 1-1, with the next game scheduled for July 7 in Nottingham.
Captain Rohit Sharma praised Patel's effort, saying, "His batting has improved tremendously. He has the ability to clear the boundaries, and tonight he showed what he is capable of." Patel was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round performance, which also included figures of 1 for 24 with the ball.
Axar Patel's record-breaking innings underscores his growing value as a genuine all-rounder in the Indian T20I setup, providing depth and firepower to the batting lineup.
