'When his country needs him': Twitter erupts in praise as Hardik Pandya smashes crucial 50 vs Bangladesh
Pandya's unbeaten 50 off 27 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes at a strike rate of over 185, helped India reach 196 and made him the first No. 6 batter to score a half-century for India in T20 World Cup history.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya shone brightly with a splendid half-century against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024. The Super 8 clash is being held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda.
In a crucial moment, with India struggling at 108/4, vice-captain Pandya stepped up to steer his team to a formidable total. Pandya, exhibiting immense composure, ensured he stayed on the crease till the end, shifting the momentum in India's favour at a critical juncture.
Understanding the conditions well, Pandya initially played cautiously, allowing himself time to settle. Once set, he aggressively countered the Bangladeshi bowlers, pulling his team out of a precarious position. His partnership with Shivam Dube, who scored a valuable 34, was vital, as the duo added 53 runs together.
¡ª Azam Khan (@AzamKhan6653) June 22, 2024
After Dube's dismissal, Pandya took charge, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and sixes. He concluded his innings with an unbeaten 50 runs off 27 balls, boasting a strike rate of over 185, including four fours and three sixes. This stellar performance propelled India to a strong total of 196. Notably, Pandya became the first No. 6 batter to score a half-century for India in T20 World Cup history.
Fans on Twitter erupted in praise for Pandya's crucial knock, lauding his ability to stand tall under pressure and lead the team from a tricky situation.
Here are some of their reactions:
Standing tall in every match when his country needs him. Hardik Pandya for you. ??? pic.twitter.com/t265IMrEf7
¡ª K0hliNat!on__?? (@BholisSoul) June 22, 2024
Hardik Pandya silencing his critics in style. ? pic.twitter.com/4yiQWrgeqs
¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 22, 2024
Boos from IPL to hero in World Cup.
¡ª Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 22, 2024
- HARDIK PANDYA FOR YOU. ?? pic.twitter.com/WGL7cCtrr8
Hardik Pandya to everyone who was trolling his performance in IPL pic.twitter.com/JSjL4n0RXZ
¡ª Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) June 22, 2024
This world cup will be remembered for Hardik Pandya's redemption. If you trolled Hardik in ipl 2024 then you have no rights to enjoy his success now. pic.twitter.com/Quk9JmSJzO
¡ª leisha (@katyxkohli17) June 22, 2024
Hardik Pandya was lost - lost for runs, lost for wickets, lost for wins, lost for support and he still kept smiling!
¡ª Priyanshu (@PriyanshuVK18K) June 22, 2024
And finally he has made a comeback silently! pic.twitter.com/6GDeNTJt3q
Hardik Pandya ?#INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/XErwpTLngd
¡ª Aryan ? (@iAryan_Sharma) June 22, 2024
Hardik Pandya for country ???#INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/Omu6y4IW5H
¡ª Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) June 22, 2024
Got bullied, trolled, shamed at every level yet stepping up for his country every time when it matters the most.
¡ª Pari (@BluntIndianGal) June 22, 2024
This is Hardik Pandya for you ?? pic.twitter.com/HTWC2FMXX1
Downfall? Yes give me more But make sure the "COMEBACK" should be like Hardik Pandya. pic.twitter.com/T96dlLPv8Y
¡ª Kevin (@imkevin149) June 22, 2024
Irfan Pathan when Hardik Pandya doesn't make any mistake pic.twitter.com/Sd1ia87Wq9
¡ª Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 22, 2024
Hardik Pandya under-
¡ª TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) June 22, 2024
His own Captaincy Rohit captaincy pic.twitter.com/vZazB7pWSi
During the mid-innings break, Pandya shared his thoughts on the first innings and his performance, stating, "Wicket looked alright, the par would've been 180 and we got 197, it's a good score here. Hopefully with the bowling we have, need to keep it tight and should get the job done. At the time Dube went, couple of wickets were lost and had to take time, did well to recover and he made sure he took against the spinners and we were able to stitch partnerships."
Pandya's heroics with the bat have given India a solid platform, and with a strong bowling lineup, they are now in a promising position to secure victory against Bangladesh.
At the time of writing, Bangladesh had reached a score of 108 for 4 at the end of 15 overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto was at the crease with 40 runs off 31 balls, accompanied by Mahmudullah, who had scored 7 runs off 5 balls.
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