Cricket

Asia Cup 2022: Even if we needed 15 runs off the final, I would have fancied my chances – Hardik Pandya

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya revealed that he would have been confident of even scoring 15 runs in the final over against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket on Sunday after the Men in Blue won by five wickets in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.

Only seven runs were required in the last over but the equation got tricky as India needed six in the last three balls after Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed on the first ball. However, Pandya kept his cool as he smashed a winning six on the fourth ball of the over.

In fact, the all-rounder revealed that he was doing his calculations and knew Babar Azam will have to turn to a spinner for one over. Pandya went on to score a match-winning knock of 33 runs off just 17 balls as he batted at the top of his game.

India was on the ropes at 89-4 in the run-chase however Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja added 52 runs for the fifth wicket to get India close to the target.

Furthermore, Pandya also delivered the goods with the ball. He scalped three wickets and conceded only 25 runs in his quota of four overs. The right-arm pacer bowled accurately and accounted for Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Khusdil Shah.

Hardik Pandya was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine performance, “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. 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.”

Pandya was simply outstanding for India with both bat and ball and he will look to continue the good show in the rest of the tournament.

India will next face Hong Kong in their second game of Asia Cup 2022 at the same venue on Wednesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024