1st T20I: I Put The Nation First, Thats My Biggest USP, Says Pandya
T20 World Cup: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the star of the show in the teams 101-run win over South Africa on Tuesday here at the Barabati Stadium, and he said that he felt satisfied that his hard work paid off. The Men in Blue put on a dominating performance and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series to kick off their T20 World Cup preparations on a high. When all other batters struggled to play a big innings, Pandya notched up an unbeaten 59 off just 28 deliveries to take the teams scoreboard to 175/6 at the end of the first innings. What followed was sheer dominance by the Indian bowlers as they restricted the visitors to a mere 74, securing a victory by a substantial margin. Pandya also contributed with the ball, taking a wicket off his very first delivery in the game. He was recognised for his brave efforts and was named the Player of the Match. Speaking of his game after receiving the award, Pandya said, I had to back my shots. At the same point of time, I realized that the wicket had a bit of spice. You had to be a little gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball, not trying to break the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting. I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint. I dont make a big deal about the hard work that goes behind it, but at the same time, these last 50 days, being away from your loved ones, spending time at the NCA, making sure everything is covered. Its very satisfying when you come here and the results follow, he added. Speaking of his game after receiving the award, Pandya said, I had to back my shots. At the same point of time, I realized that the wicket had a bit of spice. You had to be a little gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball, not trying to break the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting. I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pandyas shot selection and the array of boundaries coming off his bat stole the show in the first innings as he confidently took on the bowlers and hit them for runs across the stadium. Elaborating on what was going on in his mind when he faced the Proteas bowlers, the Mumbai Indians captain said, I kind of knew he (Maharaj) wouldnt go closer to Axar. I didnt plan it that way, it was just that if it came into my arc, I wanted to go for it. He took a chance and I took a chance. Mine was more calculated on that track, and it paid off. I think that gave us rhythm, gave us momentum that we capitalised on. We were 20-25 runs ahead of the game when those overs began. Its just about gamesmanship, identifying the right bowler to take down on the day. When it comes off, it looks good. Article Source: IANS
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