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Riding on Shubman Gill's maiden century in the shortest format, Hardik Pandya's brigade bulldozed New Zealand by 168 runs in the third T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 01 (Wednesday). With the victory, the Men in Blue clinched the series 2-1 to continue their supremacy in the bilateral T20I series at home as they secured their 13th straight series victory.
Gill's whirlwind 126 off 63 balls helped India post a colossal total of 234/4. In reply, New Zealand were no match to India's rejuvenated bowling attack as the Black Caps were bundled out for a paltry 66 runs to hand India a comprehensive victory. Skipper Hardik was the pick of the bowlers for India as he bowled a terrific spell of 4/16 to rattle New Zealand's batting line-up.
Hardik also made a handy contribution with the bat. The stylish batter scored 30 runs off 17 balls with the help of four fours and a six. The all-rounder provided the finishing touches to India's innings.
After the game, Hardik oozed confidence and said he is ready to take the responsibility which was once carried out by former India captain MS Dhoni.
"I don’t mind playing the role that, somewhere down the line, Mahi used to play. At that time, I was young and hitting all around the park. But since he’s gone, all of a sudden, that responsibility is onto me. I don’t mind that. We are getting the results. It’s okay if I have to play a little slow,” said Hardik said in the post-match press conference.
"I’ve always enjoyed hitting sixes. But that’s life; I’ve to evolve. I’ve believed in partnerships and want to give my batting partner and team some assurance and calmness that I’m there. I’ve played more games than any of these guys; I’ve learned how to accept and swallow pressure and make sure everything is calm," he added.
India will now be seen in action in the marquee Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, scheduled to begin on February 09. Hardik is not part of the Indian squad for the first two Test matches of the series.
