Hardik Pandya after his superb knock of 59 run of 28 deliveries was named Player of the Match, which powered India to a commanding 101 run win against South Africa in the first T20I in Cuttack on Tuesday. India reached a defending total of 175/6 in their 20 overs with the loss of 6 wickets.
Kudos to the master blaster Hardik Pandya’s flashy 59-run unbeatable knock off 29 balls, with controlled blitz, full ofresponsibility while smashing four sixes and six boundaries, which proved a difficult task to the South African batter..
Analyzing on his match-winning innings, Pandya said he had to trust his instincts and adapt quickly to the surface.
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I had to back my shots. I realised the wicket had a bit of spice. I had to be a bit gutsy. It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting,” he said after the match.
Pandya, who has spent significant time strengthening his fitness over the past few months, highlighted the discipline and commitment behind his return.
“The last six-seven months have been great from my fitness point of view. These last 50 days, being away from loved ones, being at NCA (National Cricket Academy), making sure that all these things are covered. It was satisfying when you come here, the results come like this,” he added.
“As a cricketer, I have never been fussy about what roles I have in the game. I have always been motivated to all the time make sure that it doesn’t matter what Hardik Pandya wants, it is about what India wants. The mindset helps me. I have always tried to put my team first. That is my biggest USP and that is what has helped me,” Pandya said.
Pandya also explained his approach while targeting South African spinner Keshav Maharaj during his innings, “I knew he wouldn’t be going closer to Axar. I don’t think I was planning that. If it came in my arc, I was going for it. He took a chance, so did I.
Mine was more calculative on that track. I tried to capitalise and it paid off. It is about gamesmanship and identifying the right bowlers and take the bowlers down. If it comes off, it looks good.”
About The 1st T20 IND Vs SA match,
India’s innings struggled early: Abhishek Sharma fell just after the powerplay, and Tilak Varma contributed 26 off 32 balls. and Suryakumar Yadav continued his out of form run with 12, leaving India three down and under pressure. Shubman Gill’s early dismissal added to the woes.
India reached a defending total of 175/6 in their 20 overs with the loss of 5 wickets. Kudos to the master blaster Hardik Pandya’s flashy 59-run unbeatable knock off 29 balls, with controlled blitz, full of responsibility while smashing four sixes and six boundaries.
Chasing the big total of 175 runs, SA collapsed for 74 runs all out in 12.3 overs, with Dewald Brevis (22) emerging as the top scorer.
It was SA’s lowest-ever score in T20I cricketing history. Lungi Ngidi of South Africa was the successful bowler by taking three crucial wickets of Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma.
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