IND vs ENG: Hardik Pandya’s blazing fifty helped India post another competitive total in Pune
Xtra Time Web Desk: Hardik Pandya delivered a power-packed 53 off 30 balls, rescuing India from a shaky start and helping them set a challenging total of 181 in the fourth T20I against England in Pune. His 87-run partnership with Shivam Dube proved to be the turning point, with Pandya reaching his half-century in just 27 balls.
One of the standout moments of his innings came in the 16th over, when he danced down the track and launched a no-look six off Saqib Mahmood over long-off. By the time Pandya was dismissed in the 18th over, India had recovered from early setbacks and reached 166/6.
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IND vs ENG: Shivam Dube shines in comeback knock as India posted a fighting 181
HARDIK PANDYA - THE MVP IN T20IS. pic.twitter.com/E7ZMmSbZVo
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 31, 2025
India, for the first time in the series, batted first but suffered a disastrous start. Saqib Mahmood’s fiery opening spell rattled the top order, reducing the hosts to 12/3 inside the powerplay. The England pacer, replacing Mark Wood, dismissed Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma, putting India on the back foot.
Abhishek Sharma showed resistance, playing a crucial knock of 29, while Rinku Singh contributed 30 off 26 balls. Their stand steadied the innings before Adil Rashid struck, removing Abhishek. India managed 72/4 at the halfway mark, still under pressure.
Hardik Pandya most clutch player of current Indian team
— sarcastic (@Sarcastic_broo) January 31, 2025
After Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya MVP for Team India in Champions Trophy#HardikPandya #INDvENG #INDvsENG #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/HoJxdZkjWv
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It was then that Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya took control, counterattacking the English attack. In the next five overs, India added 41 runs, shifting the momentum. Pandya, initially playing second fiddle to Dube, soon shifted gears, launching an aggressive assault on the England bowlers.
Jamie Overton picked up late wickets, but Dube continued his attacking approach, ensuring India finished on a strong note. Fans lauded Pandya's impact, calling him India’s true T20I MVP for consistently delivering with both bat and ball.
