"Decided that if it was in my zone, I would go for it": Axar Patel 

Axar slammed a quick-fire fifty [Source: Associated Press]

Axar Patel's maiden T20I fifty went in vain as India came perilously close to a win, losing their second encounter against Sri Lanka by 16 runs in Pune last evening. Patel scored a counter-attacking 65, with Team India stuttering at 57 for 5 at one stage, chasing a mammoth 207 to win.

Patel, who snitched a 91-run sixth wicket stand with Surya Kumar Yadav, opened up about his batting approach in an interview with BCCI.tv. The left-handed all-rounder revealed that his plan all along was to swing through the line and go for big hits. 

​The 28-year-old hit 6 sixes and 3 fours, including three consecutive sixes to Wanindu Hasaranga in the 14th over.  

Here's what Axar said

"After I connected with few of my shots and when Hasaranga came into bowl the 14th over, I did not quite target him by thinking that I will hit him in a particular area. I was just watching the ball and swinging my bat through the line. I had decided that if it was in my zone, I would go for it."

The Gujarat-born further admitted that he should have taken India past the finish line and focused on intent for future matches.

The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot will host the third and final T20I on Saturday, with the series level at 1-1.

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