New Delhi: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed his pleasure after India won their second Super 8 clash at the T20 World Cup 2024, beating Bangladesh by 50 runs at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday. Pandya turned out to be the star of the match for his unbeaten 50-run knock and was handed the Player of the Match award during which he recalled the words passed on to him by India head coach Rahul Dravid.
While receiving the award at the post-match presentation ceremony, Pandya talked about his team and their plans and a few words on his past injury as well. “We have played really good cricket. More than anything we have stuck together and executed our plans,” Pandya said. He then talked about the playing conditions – “I did realise the batters wanted to use the breeze, I made sure I did not give them a chance where the wind was blowing, it was about being one step ahead as a batter.”
While concluding, he talked about the ankle injury that he had sustained in the ODI World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh. “I have been fortunate to play for the country, it was a freak injury I had, I wanted to come back but God had other plans. I was talking to Rahul [Dravid] sir the other day, and he said – Luck comes to people who work hard and that has stuck with me for a long time,” Pandya said.
Match at a glance
As India moved to a newer location, they adapted to the conditions greatly, even after losing the toss. Bangladesh had invited the Men in Blue to bat first and it was crucial for the top-order to perform after being unchanged. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli performed decently well, giving a bright start to the side with Rishabh Pant chipping in as well. Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t go big this time but Shivam Dube had his say at the right time.
It was Pandya helming the innings at the end as he completed his half-century that was laced with four fours and three sixes. India posted 196/5 and Bangladesh could manage 146/8 in 20 overs as Pandya was among the wickets as well. He sent back Bangladesh opener Litton Das to make it a perfect all-round show.
Hardik Pandya starred with an unbeaten 50-run knock in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 clash against Bangladesh as India bagged their fifth win on the trot in Antigua on Saturday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
