IND vs AUS: Hardik Pandya hits a six in the 1st T20I final against Australia© BCCI
Hardik Pandya played a stunning 71 from 30 deliveries unbeaten knockout in Mohali on Tuesday, although his attempt was in vain as Australia finished best in the first T20I against India. First to fire, India posted a total of 208/6, with Hardik providing the firepower on death. The all-rounder, enjoying great form, batted well all through his innings, but especially set fire to Cameron Green in the last over of India’s innings. After rebuffing Harshal Patel for a single on the second pitch, and taking two runs on the third, Hardik went 6, 6, 6 of the last three balls to bring India to a strong total.
Hardik first took out a short delivery over midwicket for a flat six. He then hit a full ball over extra cover before hitting a short and wide ball over the point to complete his hat-trick of six.
Watch: Hardik Pandya’s Massacre Against Cameron Green
— Guess Karo (@KuchNahiUkhada) September 20, 2022
It was Hardik’s second half-century of T20I, and the knock was especially crucial as India needed a big total on a good battlefield.
Ealier, KL Rahul (55 of 35) and Suryakumar Yadav (46 of 25) had set the stage for India.
It wasn’t enough, though, as Australia chased the target with four deliveries left.
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Cameron Green’s 61 from 30 deliveries at the top of the order and Matthew Wade’s unbeaten 45 from 21 batting at number 7 led the visitors to a 1-0 series lead.
Axar Patel shone with the ball, taking three wickets for just 17 runs on his four overs, but the rest of the Indian bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the Australian batters.
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