Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a significant contribution with the bat during their Super 8 clash against Afghanistan at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday, June 20. On the back of Hardik and Suryakumar Yadav’s impactful knocks, the Men in Blue posted a formidable 181 in their 20 overs.
India won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the decision seemed shaky as Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the third over. Despite a couple of partnerships, Afghanistan managed to strike at crucial moments, stalling India’s momentum until Hardik joined Suryakumar at the crease.
Key Contributions from Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar played the aggressor’s role, while Hardik provided steady support. After Suryakumar’s departure, Hardik unleashed some powerful shots, including a massive 98-meter six against the wind.
Hardik Pandya eventually scored 32 off 24 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed while attempting to clear the boundary again.
Fans Celebrate Hardik’s Return to Form
Fans were thrilled to see Hardik back among the runs as the T20 World Cup approaches its business end. Prior to this game, Hardik had only batted once, scoring just seven runs against Pakistan in New York.
Here are some fan reactions:
- “I think people will understand who the better all-rounder is any day. You can’t compare any all-rounder to Hardik Pandya. He is the best whenever he plays for India in ICC tournaments,” wrote one fan.
- “Happy Tears what a shot. Glimpse of peak Hardik Pandya. He is well and truly back,” another fan chimed in.
- “Jiwan hardik pandya jaisa chahiye IPL mein bilkul nhi chalta, worldcup mein Dhoom machata hain,” commented another fan, highlighting Hardik’s contrasting performances in IPL and World Cups.
Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Prowess in the T20 World Cup
Despite a disappointing IPL 2024 season with the Mumbai Indians, Hardik has turned things around in the T20 World Cup. He landed in the USA with a renewed focus after a challenging IPL campaign, where he was heavily criticized and Mumbai Indians finished last in the points table.
In the T20 World Cup, Hardik has been exceptional with the ball, picking up seven wickets in three matches prior to the Super 8 clash against Afghanistan. He shares the spot as joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Arshdeep Singh.
Hardik’s resurgence in form with both bat and ball has been crucial for India’s success in the T20 World Cup, and fans are eager to see if he can maintain this momentum as the tournament progresses.
