Winning the toss, England made a dream start as Saqib Mahmood bowled a brilliant maiden in the second over, claiming three quick wickets. Sanju Samson, Tilak Verma, and Suryakumar Yadav all fell, leaving India reeling early.
Abhishek Sharma (29) and Rinku Singh (30) tried to steady the ship, adding some valuable runs. However, with 79 runs on the board and half the team already back in the dugout, India found themselves in deep trouble.
Hardik Pandya came in next, taking a few balls to settle, managing just two runs off his first six deliveries. But in the 13th over, he turned the tide by taking on Brydon Carse, smashing back-to-back boundaries. He then hit two sixes off Mahmood’s over before launching Jofra Archer for a six and a four in consecutive balls.
The real highlight came on the very first ball of the 18th over. With characteristic swagger, Pandya saw a full delivery coming his way, cleared his front leg, and sent it sailing over long-on for a spectacular six to bring up his half-century in just 27 balls. His nonchalant reaction—glancing away as soon as he made contact—spoke volumes about his confidence.
— jithesh (@jithesh1569353) January 31, 2025
WHAT A SIX BY HARDIK PANDYA VS SAQIB MAHMOOD..!!
— MANU. (@Manojy9812) January 31, 2025
pic.twitter.com/lpBGVBEFD7
The Twitterati quickly shifted their stance, showering praises on the younger Pandya brother for his explosive knock, with social media erupting in admiration.