Hardik Pandya proved to be an excellent all-rounder for India in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday, October 6, at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. Aggressive with five boundaries and two high-hitting sixes, Pandya made his cameo of 39* from just 16 balls scoring a significant knock for the team in chasing down the modest target of 128 in just 11.5 overs.
Walking in at number five, Pandya wasted not a single moment and got off the mark with a boundary of Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s. From there on, he put Pandya under his domination, with an array of powerful shots sending the ball to all four corners of the ground. He played solid through the innings, which came to an end in the 11th over when he hit a six off the back foot over deep extra cover off Rishad Hossain.
WATCH – Mustafizur Rahman Outsmarts Suryakumar Yadav With His Ego
The ball was in the air for an eternity and finally came down into the hand of an astounded Rishad at the edge of the boundary. Over in the next, Hardik Pandya continued his attack on Taskin Ahmed, dispatching a casual uppercut for a boundary. In another lighter mood, Pandya lost the grip of the bat while thumping yet another boundary, and it flew towards the square leg umpire.
Best Shot of #IndvsBan 1st T20i 🔥
No look Shot by #HardikPandya
Swag wala Pandya 😍🗿 pic.twitter.com/kEXah2RwTB— Hardik Kohli (@ShortStatus1) October 6, 2024
No look shot by Hardik pandya🔥
Swag level on this shot.#Hardikpandya pic.twitter.com/4vTio9ByZd— jackpopuri (@jackpopuri1717) October 6, 2024
He ended the match in style as he pulled a short delivery well for a deep mid-wicket to hand India victory. Together with his batting heroics, Pandya also contributed with the ball, picking up 1/26 in four overs. Considering India has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, this is what made the all-round performance so crucial for the side.
WATCH – Hardik Pandya Shatters Shoriful Islam’s Stumps In A Crucial Over
Besides Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 14) and Sanju Samson played a crucial role in the chase. In earlier matches returning to the national team, Varun Chakravarthy had picked up 3/31 while Arshdeep Singh had taken 3/14 off 3.5 overs to be declared Player of the Match for his efforts.
