Hardik Pandya yet again turned out to be a hero for India, as the star all-rounder held his nerves during an extreme pressure situation and pulled off a thrilling five-wicket win for India over Pakistan in the second match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 on Sunday (August 28) in Dubai.
Firstly, Pandya starred with the ball by conceding only 25 runs in his quota of four overs and scalping three wickets to help Team India dismiss Pakistan for 147 in 19.5 overs in Dubai.
Then, the all-rounder took charge of the team and finished off the match with a big six for India, remaining unbeaten on 33 in 17 balls, and was given the Player of the Match award for his stunning all-round showing.
After the match, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram heaped praise on Hardik and said that the Indian star is the best all-rounder in the world in limited-overs cricket at the moment.
Wasim Akram told Star Sports: “I think he knows he is one of the best all-rounders in the world right now. He works according to that. His mindset is set according to that. He is bowling 140kph-plus and when he comes out to bat, he is a very important member of the Indian team in all the formats.”
He added, “Like I said, in my opinion, he is the best all-rounder in world cricket right now. The way he is batting he is better than Andre Russell, better than all the all-rounders we have. He is consistent. He is an electrifying fielder. He is one of the top cricketers in the world.”
Meanwhile, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also lauded Hardik, saying: “At the start, he took his time. Pakistan were not bowling in his arc. But he is in such a good form that he can any bowler in world cricket right now.”
Pathan signed off by saying, “That’s the confidence he has got now after coming back from an injury. He has got great hitting power. Ability was always there but now he has started to showcase performances regularly. He is fit and is able to bowl 140kph-plus.”
