I Think T Natarajan Should Be The Man Of The Match: Hardik Pandya

Updated - 06 Dec 2020, 07:24 PM

Hardik Pandya (Credits: Twitter)

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Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya was in sensational touch during the second T20 international against Australia in Sydney as India sealed the series. Hardik Pandya blasted 42 off 22 balls and two sixes in the last over off Daniel Sams’ bowling to scale 195 with six wickets to spare. The all-rounder underlined that he has been in such situations quite a few times and know what to expect.

Australia, who lost the toss, managed 194 in the first innings, led by stand-in captain Matthew Wade’s half-century. There were handy contributions from the likes of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, and Marcus Stoinis to set up a steep chase for the visitors. Australia also started their defence well, not giving too many runs initially.

A no-ball from Andrew Tye in his first over burst things open for India as KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan raced to 56 in five overs. Virat Kohli and Dhawan’s partnership kept them on track before both of them perished as Australia looked to claw their way back in the game. However, the hosts’ inexperienced bowlers weren’t good enough for Hardik Pandya who won the game and the series.

In T20s you actually have more time than you think: Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, India, Australia — Hardik Pandya [Photo-Twitter]

Hardik Pandya highlighted that he has been in such situations quite a few times and looking at the scoreboard, he assesses which bowlers to target. The 26-year old believes that 70 or 80 runs from 30 balls becomes achievable for him since he breaks down the target, focussing more on the process instead of end result. Pandya also wished for T Natarajan to be the man of the match since the SCG being a batting paradise, he bowled exceptionally well. The left-arm seamer collected two wickets, having figures of 4-0-20-2.

“It’s very simple. I like to look at the scoreboard and play so that I know which bowlers to target. I have been in these situations many times and I learnt from my mistakes in the past. My game is always around the confidence which I carry, it has that fine line where I back myself and not become overconfident. I always remember all those times when we chased big totals and it helps. In T20s you actually have more time than you think. If we need 70-80 odd in 30 balls, I don’t look at the whole thing and I break it down to 12 balls and focus more on the process than the end result. They were batting really well and we wanted to be positive and special mention to Natarajan as well. I thought he should be the Man of the Match, because the bowlers struggled here and he had a really good game,” Pandya told in the post-match presentation.

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