Hardik Pandya once again proved his worth as a match-winner for India, delivering a stunning counterattack in the fourth T20I against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. On a night when India found themselves in deep trouble early on, Pandya’s explosive fifty turned the game around, helping his side post a competitive total.
After being put in to bat for the first time in the series, India started with promise as Abhishek Sharma took on Jofra Archer in the opening over. However, their momentum was short-lived as Saqib Mahmood turned the game on its head in the very next over. Bowling a sensational triple-wicket maiden, Mahmood dismissed Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 12 for 3.
Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh attempted to stabilize the innings, stitching together a 45-run stand. Sharma played some confident strokes before falling to Adil Rashid for 29 in the eighth over. Rinku followed soon after, departing for 30 off 26 balls, and India were once again in a precarious position at 79 for 5.
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With the team in desperate need of a savior, Hardik Pandya stepped up in style. Playing with calculated aggression, the dynamic allrounder smashed 53 off just 30 balls, laced with four boundaries and as many sixes. His most audacious stroke came when he completed his fifty with a no-look six off Jamie Overton in the 18th over. As the ball sailed over the ropes, cameras panned to the Indian dressing room, capturing a delighted Suryakumar Yadav, visibly impressed by Pandya’s brilliance.
Shivam Dube also played a crucial role in India’s recovery. Making his comeback to the side, the left-hander showcased his power-hitting skills, scoring 53 off 34 balls with seven fours and two sixes.
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He was unfortunate to be run out on the final ball of the innings but had already done enough to propel India to a competitive 181/9. Despite the early collapse, Pandya and Dube’s fifties ensured that India had a fighting total on the board, setting up an intriguing chase for England in Pune.
