In their valiant five-wicket triumph over bitter rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022 match on Sunday, August 28, at the Dubai International Stadium, Hardik Pandya emerged as India's saviour.
In what was undoubtedly the most significant game of his cricket career, Hardik played the innings of his life, but his bromance with Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan quickly made headlines and went viral on social media. As Hardik hugged Rizwan by placing his right hand around the keeper's neck, the two were seen having a humorous on-field exchange.
Hardik Pandya finishes off in style!
India's attempt to chase down a reasonable goal of 148 got off to a catastrophic start when KL Rahul miscued a delivery from teenage pacer Naseem Shah on to his stumps, returning to the dugout without bothering the scorers. If Fakhar Zaman hadn't missed a challenging opportunity at second slip, Naseem almost outscore Virat Kohli for a duck.
Virat made the Pakistani bowlers pay after receiving a much-needed reprieve by displaying bold intent in the Powerplay overs while Rohit Sharma watched from the non-strikers' end. Before spinner Mohammad Nawaz sent both of them back, the pair added 49 runs together. Virat was out after 34 balls, scoring 35, but Rohit could only manage 12.
Then, from a precarious situation, Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja attempted to rebuild. However, the latter was trapped by Naseem Shah for a run-a-ball 18, and as a result, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya joined Jadeja in keeping the Men in Blue's scoreboard going.
As the asking rate continued to rise, the pair took some chances and played an attacking style of cricket in the middle overs. Pandya reduced the equation to seven runs needed off the final over by hitting three fours off the penultimate delivery Haris Rauf bowled.
In his bid to go for the glory, Jadeja was struck by Mohammad Nawaz's opening delivery, but Hardik ensured that there were no further problems by completing the innings with a maximum as India crossed the finish line with two balls to spare. With 33 runs from 17 deliveries, Hardik Pandya is still undefeated.
Cameron Green adds to credentials as bowler with man of the match win
INDvsPAK: "See yourself tomorrow": Rohit Sharma On Who Will Open In Asia Cup 2022
