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Hardik Pandya had a stellar performance on Saturday (June 22), showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball as India convincingly defeated Bangladesh by 50 runs in their second Super Eight match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
India found themselves in a tricky situation at 108 for 4 when Hardik Pandya took charge at the crease. Initially playing cautiously, Pandya partnered with Shivam Dube, who was more aggressive against Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
By the end of the 17th over, Pandya had accumulated 20 runs off 15 balls. Following Dube’s dismissal, Pandya accelerated in the last two overs, reaching his fifty off just 27 balls on the final delivery of the innings. His innings of 50 runs included 4 boundaries and 3 sixes.
Pandya’s impact extended to the bowling department as well. While initial breakthroughs eluded Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, Pandya struck in the fifth over by dismissing Litton Das.
With this stellar all-round performance, Pandya also etched his name in the record books. He became the first Indian player to achieve the milestone of scoring 300 runs and taking 20 wickets in T20 World Cup history. Pandya has amassed 302 runs with two half-centuries in 21 T20 World Cup matches and has also claimed 21 wickets during these games.
Other players who have achieved the milestone of scoring over 300 runs and taking more than 20 wickets in the T20 World Cup include Shahid Afridi from Pakistan (546 runs and 39 wickets in 34 matches), Shakib al Hasan from Bangladesh (853 runs and 50 wickets in 42 matches), Dwayne Bravo from West Indies (530 runs and 27 wickets in 27 matches), and Shane Watson from Australia (537 runs and 22 wickets in 24 matches).
We’ve played good cricket says Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance in the game. After the match, the Indian star shared his happiness about the team’s overall performance in the tournament and reflected on his comeback to international cricket following a lengthy injury absence.
“We have played really good cricket. More than anything we have stuck together and executed our plans. I did realise the batters wanted to use the breeze, I made sure I did not give them a chance where the wind was blowing, it was about being one step ahead as a batter.
“We as a group can get better in a lot of places, losing wickets in bunches is something we can rectify and get better at, apart from that, we are looking good. I have been fortunate to play for the country, it was a freak injury I had, I wanted to come back but God had other plans. Luck comes to people who work hard and that has stuck with me for a long time,” said Pandya.
