Hardik Pandya's all-round brilliance powered India to a thrilling five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in an Asia Cup Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a target of 148, Hardik hit three boundaries and a six in the last two overs to take India home with two balls to spare. Pandya remained unbeaten on 33, while both Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja played knocks of 35 each to give India a decent platform.
Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya starred with the ball as India bowled out Pakistan for 147 in the Asia Cup clash in Dubai. Bhuvneshwar picked four for 26, while Hardik also returned with figures of three for 25 after India invited Pakistan to bat at the Dubai International Stadium. The Indian pacers targetted Pakistan batters with short ball.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave India the perfect start by picking up the big wicket of Babar Azam. Avesh Khan then removed the dangerous Fakhar Zaman within the powerplay to put Rohit Sharma's team in a great position. Bhuvneshwar and Hardik cleaned up the Pakistan tail. Rizwan top-score with a fine 43, before Shahnawaz Dahani and Haris Rauf took Pakistan to a respectable total. Earlier, Rishabh Pant did not find a place in India's playing XI as Dinesh Karthik was given a nod over the youngster.
India's victory in a low-scoring came a little over 10 months after a 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan at the same venue. India's top three did not fire and their best T20I batsman based on current rankings, managed only 18 but Ravindra Jadeja's superb innings and Hardik Pandya's all-around heroics helped India claim victory.
As the nation rejoiced in India's victory against neighboring challengers Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Rohit Sharma's side for registering a 5-wicket win in their opening match. PM Modi lauded the Indian side for displaying superb skill and grit.
"TeamIndia put up a spectacular all-round performance in today's AsiaCup2022 match. The team has displayed superb skill and grit. Congratulations to them on the victory," tweeted PM Modi.