Rohit Sharma's dropped catch denies Axar Patel an ODI hat-trick
What's the story
Indian cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, had a moment of frustration during the ICC Champions Trophy first group-stage match against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.
His dropped catch at first slip denied spinner Axar Patel a maiden hat-trick in One Day International (ODI) cricket.
This happened after Patel had already sent back two Bangladeshi batters, Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, in his first over.
Strategy backfires
Rohit's strategic move and the missed opportunity
In a bid to get Patel's third wicket, Sharma placed three slips. He and Shubman Gill stood at the first and second slip respectively, with Shreyas Iyer at leg slip.
However, when Patel bowled a ball that edged off Jaker Ali's bat toward Sharma, he couldn't take the catch.
This visibly frustrated Sharma who expressed his disappointment by hitting the ground with his right hand.
Apology extended
Sharma's apology and Patel's reaction
After his dropped catch, Sharma was spotted scolding himself before apologizing to Patel.
Although he responded with a wry smile, Patel was clearly upset over the missed hat-trick opportunity.
Had Sharma taken the catch, Patel could have been only the second bowler in the tournament's history to do so after West Indies's Jerome Taylor in 2006.
Match progress
India's early dominance in the match
Despite the missed hat-trick, India remained on top in the early phase of the match.
Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana ruled the first overs at Dubai International Stadium.
Patel, who was introduced as the first change in bowling attack, carried forward the baton after pacers.
By the end of 10 overs, half of Bangladesh's team had been sent back.