When Hardik Pandya came into the crease, India had lost three top-order wickets of KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav for the score of 75 runs in 11.2 overs against England in the ongoing semi-final encounter at the 20-20 World Cup. At the end of 12 overs, India had scored just 77 runs for the loss of 3 wickets and were under pressure.
England had the upper hand and looked to restrict India to under 130-140 if not more. Hardik Pandya, however, didn’t look like giving his wicket away. At the start of his innings, he was lucky to not have been caught twice off Livingstone but after that, it was just a batting masterclass display from the Indian all-rounder.
From the 12th to 16th over, Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli added 33 runs in 24 balls. Come the 17th over and Hardik Pandya smashed Sam Curran for a six on the very first ball. He then took doubles on two deliveries to end the over with 11 runs.
Next over, he again smashed the first ball for a six off Jordan but Kohli lost his wicket in the final ball of the over. From the 16th to 18th over, India added 26 runs, thanks to some gorgeous hitting from Hardik Pandya.
Kohli departed after scoring a half-century but the Indian all-rounder kept hitting and dealing in sixes. He smashed Sam Curran three fours and a six in the 19th over and, thereby, reached his half-century in just 29 deliveries.
Pandya ensured he ended India’s innings on a high as he smashed a six and a four off Jordan on the final over. The last ball could have also gone for a boundary had Pandya not stepped onto the stumps and got out hit-wicket.
Nevertheless, Hardik Pandya helped India reach a competitive score of 168 runs at the end of the first innings. Hardik Pandya ended up playing a sensational knock of 63 runs in just 33 balls at a strike rate of 190.91. His knock was laced with 4 fours and 5 sixes.
The fans loved Hardik Pandya’s knock and came up with heart-warming tweets on Twitter. Here’s a look at some of the best ones:
This is an insane innings from Hardik Pandya. Captained Gujarat to the IPL title this year and might well be taking India into the T20 World Cup final too
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) November 10, 2022
The confidence. The class. Awesome as always! @hardikpandya7 #INDvsENG
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 10, 2022
Uth, sar jhuka, salam thok, rasta naap!
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 10, 2022
Hardik Pandya 🙏
Pandeyaaaaaaaaa you beauty @hardikpandya7 #INDvsENG @BCCI
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 10, 2022
Serious player, Hardik Pandya. Has given India a chance in this game. Ball turning a bit too. Probably 10 short but definite chance.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 10, 2022
Carrying on the legacy! 🫡🔥@hardikpandya7 #T20WorldCup #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/zUL7V6F9pl
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 10, 2022
Hardik Pandya just reduced Sam Curran's IPL auction price by half.
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 10, 2022
𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗥 🥵@hardikpandya7 rocking on the big stage when India need him the most! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Kco31uCLRx
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 10, 2022
What a knock, incredible Hardik Pandya, 52* from just 29 balls in the Semi-final.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 10, 2022
He is born to make impact.
Meteor Showers At Adelaide! ☄️
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 10, 2022
Courtesy: @hardikpandya7#Whistle4Blue #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/FwqbvuBvWS
The confidence of Hardik Pandya ahead of Semis on @StarSportsIndia.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 10, 2022
He is born to lead. pic.twitter.com/H1znneoF33
Damnn that was a ridiculous shot, Hardik Pandya!! Finished Chris Jordan with one shot.🔥#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/H7QYTKdogP
— UrMiL07™ (@urmilpatel30) November 10, 2022
djdjd