Hardik Pandya, IND vs PAK in Asia Cup:
India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya showcased an outstanding performance on Sunday, leading to a resounding victory against Pakistan. Based on Pandya's all-around brilliance, the Indian team won their first match of the 2022 Asia Cup against Pakistan by 5 wickets.
The match was held at the Dubai International Stadium in the UAE. In this game, Hardik first took 3 wickets for just 25 runs while bowling. Then he scored an unbeaten 33 runs off 17 balls, hitting a six to clinch the win. Pandya was rightfully named the Player of the Match.
Four years ago, Pandya couldn't even stand on this ground
Pandya emerged as a hero after this victory, but just four years ago, he had to be stretchered off the same field. On September 19, 2018, in an Asia Cup match against Pakistan, he had suffered a serious injury while bowling his fifth over in the 18th over of Pakistan's innings.
After delivering the fifth ball of the over, Pandya collapsed on the field, writhing in pain due to a hamstring injury. The pain was so intense that he couldn't even stand. Pandya had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, unable to open his eyes. At that time, many feared his cricketing career was over. However, Pandya made a remarkable comeback from injury and has now led his team to victory against Pakistan on the same ground.
Pandya and Jadeja lead India to victory in Asia Cup 2018 as well
In the 2018 Asia Cup match, the Indian team dismissed Pakistan for just 162 runs. Under the captaincy of Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan was defeated by 8 wickets in just 29 overs. In that match, Pandya bowled 4.5 overs, giving away 24 runs without taking a wicket. Pandya didn't get a chance to bat in that game.
Pandya and Jadeja's heroics defeat Pakistan
This time around, Hardik Pandya's unbeaten performance helped India defeat Pakistan. Pakistan, batting first after losing the toss, was bowled out for just 147 runs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan played a valiant inning, scoring 43 runs. Indian fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 4 wickets, Hardik Pandya grabbed 3, and Arshdeep Singh took 2 wickets. Avesh Khan claimed one wicket.
Chasing the target of 148 runs, the match was not easy for Team India as the top order struggled. Vice-captain KL Rahul was out on the first ball, Captain Rohit Sharma managed only 10 runs, and Virat Kohli contributed 35 runs before being dismissed. India lost its first 3 wickets for just 53 runs. However, a strong partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya steered India back on track to a memorable victory. Jadeja scored 35 runs, and Pandya remained unbeaten on 33 runs.
Pandya makes a strong case for the World Cup
Hardik Pandya has also strengthened his claim for a place in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia this year. The World Cup will commence on October 16, with the final scheduled for November 13. Earlier this year, Pandya led the new IPL team, Gujarat Titans, to win the title in their debut season. Pandya is the captain of the team.
