Hardik Pandya, who had been away from Team India for seven months, smashed a 12-ball 31 to help India reach 211/4. Hardik last represented India at the T20 World Cup in 2021, although he largely batted and only bowled in a few of games during the group stage.
But he has bowled a lot more in IPL 2022 he only bowled 183 deliveries but took eight wickets at a solid economy rate of 7.28. He made a strong start to the tournament with the bat, but subsequently faded until hitting 62 not out in 47 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their final match. He scored 487 runs batted at an average of 44.27.
Taking a glance at Hardik’s performance in the previous five T20I matches against South Africa, he has a batting average of 9.6 and has scored 48 runs (14,0,21,0,13). He has five wickets to his name (1,1,1,1,1).
Back to the ongoing first match of T20I series, Ishan Kishan hammered 76 off 48 to lead India to 211-4 in the opening Twenty20 International against South Africa. The hosts, who were given the opportunity to bat first, got off to a fast start, with Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad putting on a 50-run partnership. Kishan continued to be the star of the show, scoring 36 off 27 balls alongside Shreyas Iyer. Rishabh Pant contributed a 16-ball 29, while Hardik Pandya finished unbeaten on 31 in only 12 balls.
Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, a spin combo, have come at a high price. Kishan, on the other hand, was taken out by Maharaj. In three overs, Anrich Nortje gave up 27 runs. Kagiso Rabada has also performed admirably. In the seventh over, Wayne Parnelld ismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Hardik Pandya is well and truly back, the finisher, 31* runs from 12 balls including 2 fours and 3 sixes. Welcome back, HP.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 9, 2022
What a finish by Hardik Pandya on his return – 31* (12) with 3 sixes. He's been outstanding since the IPL, he continued that form tonight for India. pic.twitter.com/OPErWrffw8
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 9, 2022
Rishabh – Pandya – DK combo could be a power pack 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Middle finishing order in upcoming times till WC !!
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.#INDvsSA #RishabPant #HardikPandya #IshanKishan #SAvIND #TeamIndia #Cricket pic.twitter.com/MYaWu0DmyI— Utkarsh Yadav (@utkarsh19tweets) June 9, 2022
Hardik Pandya the finisher is here!
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 9, 2022
