Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the hero of India’s brilliant five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in the second match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After India captain Rohit Sharma asked Pakistan to bat first, Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar wreaked havoc to bundle out the Men in Green for 147. Bhuvi led the bowling attack with a sensational four-wicket haul for 26 runs, Hardik delivered huge blows as well and picked up three scalps while conceding 25 runs in his quota of 4 overs.
Then in the chase, the Men in Blue were in a spot of bother after losing four wickets for 89 runs, but Hardik yet again stood up and helped India gun down the target in the final over. Hardik added 52 runs for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (35) to bail out India.
The seven-time Asia Cup winners lost Jadeja on the first ball of the last over, but Hardik kept his cool and hit Mohammad Nawaz for a huge six to finish the proceedings in grand style. For his all-round display of cricket, the Baroda cricketer was awarded the Player of the Match.
The victory gave Indian fans a big reason to celebrate. In fact, even Afghani fans were seen enjoying the contest. A video has gone viral of a fan kissing Hardik on the TV screen after he hit Nawaz for a six to win the match. In the video, he can be seen watching a high-voltage match with his friends.
Here is the video:
Congratulations to all our brothers. Indians And Afghans🇦🇫🇮🇳. We the people Afghanistan celebrating this victory with or friend country indian people. #India #ViratKohli𓃵 #pandya #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/FFI5VvKE0d
— A H (@YousafzaiAnayat) August 28, 2022
