'When the time came...': Hardik Pandya finally opens up after match-winning knock

Vice-captain Hardik Pandya once again demonstrated his value as the X-factor for India, scoring a fine 50 off 27 balls to help India post an impressive 196 for 5 against Bangladesh in a Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup on Saturday. This total is now the highest T20I score recorded at this venue.

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Hardik Pandya on Team India's changed intent

Hardik Pandya's explosive innings included four boundaries and three sixes, and he formed a crucial 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dube, who contributed 34 off 24 balls. Meanwhile, after his powerful knock at the crease, Hardik opened up on the changed intent of the Indian players. 

“Wicket looked alright, par would've been 180, we got 196. That's a good score here,” Pandya told broadcasters at the innings break.

“At the point Shivam went (in), couple of wickets were lost. He had to take his time and we did well to recover. His strength is to take down spinners.

“When the time came, when we could go hard, we went (after their bowling) after that,” Hardik Pandya said.

“Definitely it tends to get slower in the end, some balls were sliding down when bowled at the right length, discipline and good bowling should do the job.” 

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IND vs BAN, T20 World Cup 2024

Hardik Pandya produced an all-round show while Kuldeep Yadav foxed Bangladesh batters with his guile as India all but assured themselves of a semifinals berth through a dominant 50-run victory in their second Super 8 game of the T20 World Cup here on Saturday.

Star batter Virat Kohli (37 off 28) found much-needed rhythm before Shivam Dube (34 off 24) and Hardik (50 not out off 27) pushed India to 196 for five, the highest total at this venue so far.

Bangladesh could never really challenge India in the steep run-chase and ended up with 146/8 in 20 overs, their second straight loss in the Super 8s.

India will meet their match in Australia, the two unbeaten teams so far, in their final Super 8 fixture in St Lucia on Monday.

(With PTI inputs)