Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was adjudged the Player of the Match for his superlative all-round display in India's emphatic 50-run win over Bangladesh in the Super 8 clash on June 22 to almost seal T20 World Cup semifinal spot for the Men in Blue. Hardik, apparently, turned boos into cheers. Who knew Hardik will be roaring in the T20 World Cup with his exceptional all-round show after going through a form slump in the IPL 2024 where he was leading the five-time champions Mumbai Indians.
India outclass Bangladesh in Antigua
Hardik Pandya's unbeaten fifty propelled India to a record-breaking total of 196/5 wickets in Antigua. Batting first after losing the toss, India dominated Bangladesh's bowlers, putting on the highest score ever recorded at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Bangladesh's chase faltered from the start. Their batsmen struggled against India's bowling attack, eventually reaching a meager 146/8 wickets. Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian leg-spinner, was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for just 19 runs. Only a fiery double-wicket over by pacer Tanzim Hasan and a fighting knock of 40 by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto offered any real resistance from Bangladesh. This win keeps India's unbeaten streak alive in the tournament, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the semifinals alongside South Africa and Australia. This dominant performance follows their convincing victory against Afghanistan, showcasing India's growing momentum as they head towards the knockout stages. Virat Kohli, who had been struggling for runs, finally found some form with a fluent 37. Cameos from Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube provided valuable support to the explosive Hardik Pandya.
Bangladesh, after a brief fightback in the middle overs, crumbled under India's continued aggression. They lost discipline in their bowling towards the death, allowing India to score 76 runs in the last five overs. The race for the semifinals in Group One hinges on tonight's match between Australia and Afghanistan. If Australia wins, both they and India will progress. However, an upset victory by Afghanistan would keep all four teams in contention for the coveted spots.
ALSO READ: Big update on Mohammed Shami's India comeback and recovery amidst T20 World Cup 2024
Hardik Pandya remembers Rahul Dravid's words after match-winning knock
Hardik during the post-match presentation, recalled the eight-month old pain after powering India to an emphatic win over Bangladesh. Hardik recounted his ankle-injury in ODI World Cup 2023 which also ruled him out of the tournament. He said that he tried to come back but god had different plans.
"I think we've played really good cricket, we've stuck together and really executed our plans," he [Hardik, not Roberts] says. "At certain situations everyone has stepped up. I did realise batters wanted to use the breeze. Just making sure I didn't give them free hits where the wind was blowing, it was about being one step ahead of the batter. For me, I've always been very fortunate to play for the country. It was a freak injury which happened [in the 2023 World Cup]. I tried to come back, but god had some other plans. The other day, I was speaking to Rahul sir, and he said luck comes to people who work hard. That has stuck with me, and I just want to keep my head down and keep working hard," Hardik said at the post-match presentation.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
