Needing 30 runs from the last over in a T20 World Cup semifinal usually feels like a near-impossible job. But on a good batting pitch at the Wankhede Stadium, and with Jacob Bethell in blazing form, England still had hope. The young batter had already scored a brilliant century and kept India under serious pressure as England chased a massive 254-run target in Thursday’s semifinal.
Hardik Pandya's game-changing moment
Then Hardik Pandya stepped in with a moment that turned the game. On the first ball of the final over, Bethell drove the ball toward long-off. Pandya quickly picked it up and fired a throw toward the striker’s end. Bethell wanted to keep the strike and pushed for a second run, even though it wasn’t really there. The throw was slightly wide, but Sanju Samson reacted quickly, collected the ball, and broke the stumps while Bethell was diving back. That run-out proved decisive, breaking England’s hopes as India went on to win the match by seven runs.
How Hardik keep his calm in high-pressure moments.
Pandya later spoke about staying calm in such a high-pressure moment.
“See, there are two ways in life. I could have got my heart rushing and would have not been able to execute. So, I went in my zen mode. Quite amazing that instead of getting my heartbeat rushed, I was still. And I’m really proud of that," Pandya said.
He also admitted that Bethell was the key wicket India needed at that stage.
“One batter which I had to get out if I had to do it from the field was Bethell, the way he batted. I knew I had to throw that, keep calm, throw it where it’s supposed to be. I would have liked it a little closer to the stump, but nevertheless, we got the job done," he added.
Pandya celebrated passionately after the run-out, and he later explained that his son Agastya and Maheka Sharma was there so he wanted them to enjoy the moment.
“The reaction (Pandya’s celebration) was more because my son came, and I wanted my son and Mahieka (Sharma) to enjoy this moment and feel how Enthu cutlet I am," Pandya quipped.