India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in their Asia Cup 2022 opening match on Sunday (August 28) at the Dubai International Stadium.
Hardik Pandya produced a scintillating all-round performance which was pivotal in his team’s win.
The Indian bowlers bowled superbly to limit Pakistan to a modest 147 after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Bhuveneshwar Kumar (4/26 in 4 overs) and Hardik (3/25 in 4 overs) were the standout performers with the ball.
The second innings began with the Indian openers getting dismissed early. Ravindra Jadeja, who came in to bat at number 4, stitched a match-defining partnership of 52 runs with Pandya.
Hardik Pandya eventually took the team over the line with a six off Mohammad Nawaz’s bowling to seal the deal for his team with just 2 balls to spare.
After the match, captain Rohit Sharma noted the precarious situation they were in at one point but stated that they would prefer such a victory over a one-sided one.
“Halfway through the chase, we still knew that we can win irrespective of the situation. We had the belief and when you have that belief, these things can happen. It’s about giving clarity to the guys so that they know their roles well. It was a bit challenging but I’ll take wins like this any day over the one-sided victories,” he remarked.
Rohit praised his bowlers stating that they have adapted to different situations well. He then hailed Hardik, who has been in remarkable form since his return to the national side, for his spectacular all-round performance.
“Yes, they (India’s pace bowling) have come a long way in the last year or so and they have adapted well to different situations.
“Since the time he (Hardik) has made his comeback, he’s been brilliant. When he was not part of the team, he figured out what he needs to do to his body and his fitness regime, and now he is clocking 140+ easily. His batting quality we all know and it’s been brilliant since his comeback. He is a lot calmer now and more confident about what he wants to do, whether it’s with the bat or with the ball. He can bowl really quick, we saw that today with those short balls,” he added further.
With 6 runs needed off the last over, Hardik’s calm and composed batting ensured that it was the Men in Blue who emerged victorious. He stayed unbeaten at 33 off just 17 balls.
Rohit lauded the 28-year-old for maintaining his composure under such a high-pressure situation.
“It was always about just understanding his game and he’s doing that well now. In a high-pressure chase with 10 runs per over needed, you can panic but he never showed any of that.” Sharma said.
The all-rounder was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match.
(FIRSTPOST INPUTS)
