India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya revealed the mystery behind his whispered words to the cricket ball just before taking the crucial wicket of Imam-ul-Haq during the ODI World Cup 2023 encounter against Pakistan.
The intriguing video of Pandya's act went viral on social media, gaining everyone's attention.
Pandya made a significant impact on the match when he dismissed Imam-ul-Haq in the 13th over, inducing an edge from a full delivery outside off-stump. This wicket was pivotal, reducing Pakistan to 73/2 and marking Pandya's first breakthrough in the game. Notably, Pandya's initial overs had seen him concede some runs, but he returned to dismiss Imam and Mohammad Nawaz.
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When questioned about what he whispered to the ball Pandya revealed, "I basically hurled abuses at myself to bowl better length." This revelation shed light on his unconventional strategy to motivate himself and enhance his bowling performance.
India's tight bowling reduced Pakistan to 191 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In reply, India won the match riding on Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer's half-centuries.
Rohit Sharma emerged as the top-scorer with 86 runs, while Iyer remained unbeaten with 53. This victory marked India's eighth consecutive triumph over Pakistan in ODI World Cups, solidifying their dominance in this prestigious tournament.
India will next face Bangladesh for October 19 while Pakistan are set to square off against Australia in Bengaluru on October 20.
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