Star India all rounder Hardik Pandya once again proved that he is made to dominate against arch-rival Pakistan. From his 2017 Champions Trophy knock to his recent heroics against Pakistan, Hardik has been phenomenal throughout his career. He loves to bat in adverse conditions to improve his performances to another level.
However, despite his remarkable performances, there has been doubt about his fitness issues. Hardik answered that too with his quick running between the wickets with Ishan Kishan. In upcoming games, Hardik is set to play a crucial role for India, both with bat and ball. So ahead of that, in today’s article, we will rank his top 3 innings against Pakistan.
3. 40 off 37 at the T20 World Cup 2022
Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in India’s thrilling victory against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup. While Kohli was the hero with an unbeaten 82, Hardik’s contribution was invaluable. With the ball, he scalped three crucial wickets, aiding India in limiting Pakistan to a modest 160 runs in the high-stakes encounter.
However, it was with the bat that Hardik truly shone. He displayed composure and skill, scoring 40 runs off 37 balls during India’s run chase. His innings steadied the ship when wickets were falling around him, and his ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries when needed showcased his versatility as a batsman. Hardik’s innings provided much-needed support to Kohli and played a pivotal role in India’s remarkable victory over their arch-rivals, cementing his status as a valuable all-rounder for the Men in Blue.
2. 76 off 43 at the Champions Trophy 2017
Hardik Pandya’s brilliance shone through in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan. Amidst a generally lackluster performance from the Indian team, Pandya emerged as the standout player. He etched his name in history by crafting the fastest half-century in a major final, taking just 32 balls to reach the milestone. This achievement surpassed the record set by Australian legend Adam Gilchrist at the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
Facing a formidable target of 338 runs, India stumbled early, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departing cheaply. As wickets continued to fall, Pandya stepped up, valiantly pushing against the tide. He powered his way to a remarkable 76 runs off 43 deliveries. Unfortunately, his inning ended in a regrettable runout.
1. 87 off 93 at the Asia Cup 2023
In a high-stakes encounter against Pakistan during the 2023 Asia Cup, Hardik Pandya exhibited exceptional resilience and skill with his blistering 87 runs off 93 balls. Facing a challenging situation as India had lost their top four batters with just 66 runs on the board, Pandya stepped up to the plate.
With a display of precision and power, he struck seven commanding fours and a remarkable six, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking. His partnership with Ishan Kishan was a game-changer, as they collectively added a vital 138 runs for the fifth wicket. Pandya’s aggressive yet calculated approach not only stabilized the innings but also allowed India to post a competitive total.