DUBAI: Senior India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a veteran Indian pacer, said that his team prayed fervently for all-rounder Hardik Pandya to make runs during a stressful 148-run chase against Pakistan during their Asia Cup Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium.

After registering stats of 3/25 with his short balls knocking the life out of Pakistan's innings, Pandya hit 33 not out off 17 balls and stitched a partnership of 52 runs for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (35 off 29) to lead India over the line with two balls remaining.

Finally, Pandya put an elegant cap on the proceedings by slamming Mohammad Nawaz with a six over long-on.
"After our inning's 10 overs, the game was close. The game might end any way in those circumstances. But the manner Hardik and Jadeja performed while batting was excellent. But in all honesty, it was a tie. The game was even up until Hardik scored runs. We hoped Hardik would score runs.

In the post-game press conference, Bhuvneshwar remarked, "I can only pray that Hardik continues with his performances and he stays in this form in the (T20) World Cup as well. Pandya has had a great year, particularly in the T20 format. His all-around abilities and leadership skills helped the rookie Gujarat Titans win the IPL 2022.

Pandya has produced outstanding all-around efforts to lead India to victories in T20I matches since his return to the team.

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