North Sound (Antigua): In a game marked by thrilling performances and short spurts of the Indian bat, Hardik Pandya emerged as the star of the show, guiding India to a formidable total of 196-5 against Bangladesh at the legendary Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
On a breezy Saturday, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl, but it was Pandya’s electrifying innings and Kohli’s intent to return as the golden bat warrior that he is, that stole the spotlight, ensuring India posted an impressive show in the end, despite continuous fall of wickets.
Pandya's entry was nothing short of heroic. With a scoreboard reading 115-4 in the 12th over, he stepped in and delivered a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting. His innings, a blend of no-nonsense sixes and crisply hit boundaries, was a testament to his staying power and ability to perform under pressure. His progression from 20 runs in 15 balls to a half-century in just 27 balls was a spectacle of strategic hitting.
"It's a good score here," Pandya remarked, reflecting on his contribution of 50 runs, which included four boundaries and three towering sixes.
The match saw India setting the highest T20 total at this iconic ground, a feat largely credited to the stabilizing partnership between Pandya and Shivam Dube.
Their 47-run stand in just 32 balls was crucial, especially in the face of continuous wicket-taking by Bangladesh. Dube played a supportive role, initially keeping quiet to back Pant and later, Pandya, before unleashing his own power shots towards the end of the innings.
Rohit Sharma, India's skipper, set an early aggressive tone with a 23-run cameo, but his adventurous scoop led to a catch, giving veteran bowler Shakib Al Hasan his 50th T20 World Cup wicket. Virat Kohli, looking every bit the willow warrior, crafted a quickfire 37 but fell to Tanzim Hasan, who delivered a stellar over by dismissing both Kohli and Surya Kumar Yadav in quick succession.
Despite the early setbacks, Rishabh Pant’s brief but audacious 36, featuring a massive six and two boundaries, kept the momentum going before he succumbed to his typical overconfidence. Pant’s dismissal, after an unnecessary reverse sweep, highlighted his tendency for high-risk shots, reminiscent of his previous mishaps on the crease.
Bangladesh's bowling attack, led by the impressive Tanzim and the experienced Shakib, kept India on their toes. Tanzim’s hard-earned jackpot of dismissing Kohli and Surya in one over was a standout moment. Shakib, despite an expensive start, bowled with heart and intelligence, his 50th T20 World Cup wicket a testament to his enduring skill.
The disciplined aggression by Pandya and Dube in the latter stages ensured India capitalized on the early groundwork laid by Sharma, Kohli, and Pant. The duo's strategic play in the final overs not only stabilized the innings but also propelled the team to a defendable total, setting the stage for the bowlers to shine.
As India handed over the baton to their bowlers, the onus was on Jasprit Bumrah and his colleagues to defend the total and secure a victory. The match highlighted the blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise in the Indian team, with Pandya’s performance standing out as a beacon of resilience and skill.
Pandya’s innings was the linchpin of India’s commanding total, providing the much-needed impetus and stability. His ability to anchor the innings amid frequent wicket falls and his explosive finish ensured India set a challenging target, showcasing his invaluable contribution to the team’s Super 8 journey.
