India vs Pakistan: After starring in India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan, Hardik Pandya said even if the Rohit Sharma-led side needed 15 in the last over, he would have fancied himself against Mohammad Nawaz.
Hardik Pandya after starring against Pakistan: Important to asses the situation (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hardik producing a special all-round effort in India’s win over Pakistan
- Would have fancied even if we needed 15 in last over: Hardik
- Hardik (3/25 in 4 overs) showed his high value under extreme pressure
Hardik Pandya was elated after producing a special all-round effort as India held nerves to pull off an exciting five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in their Asia Cup opener on Sunday. With the team needing 6 off three balls, Hardik finished the game with a six off left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz.
Hardik exuded confidence in his post-match interview as he said even if the Rohit Sharma-led side needed 15 in the last over, he would have fancied himself against Pakistan left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz. Hardik (3/25 in 4 overs) showed his high value under extreme pressure as his well-directed short balls helped India bowl out Pakistan for 147.
India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup: Highlights | Report
“In bowling, it’s important to assess the situations and use your weapons. For me, bowling short and hard lengths have been my strengths. It’s about using them well and asking the right questions to make the batters commit a mistake. In a chase like this, you always plan over-by-over,” Hardik said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
It should have been a straight forward chase but India’s experienced top-three faltered, putting extra pressure on the middle order. Hardik (33 not out off 17) and Ravindra Jadeja (35 off 29) then shared a 52-run stand to take India on the cusp of a famous win. The star all-rounder’s three fours off Haris Rauf in the 19th over effectively sealed the game for India.
“I always knew that there is one young bowler and also one left-arm spinner. We only needed 7 off the last over but even if we needed 15, I’d have fancied myself. I know the bowler is under more pressure than me in the 20th over. I try to keep things simple,” Hardik added.
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