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Hardik Pandya's Pride & Power Propel India to 93-Run Victory Over Namibia

Hardik Pandya led India to a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia in the T20 World Cup, earning Player of the Match honors. He expressed immense pride in his batting role, stating that playing for the country is his top priority. India set a formidable target of 209, powered by quickfire fifties from Ishan Kishan and Pandya himself. Namibia's chase faltered early, collapsing to 116 all out against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.

Key Points: Hardik Pandya Stars as India Crushes Namibia in T20 World Cup

  • Pandya's Player of the Match performance
  • India posts 209/9
  • Namibia bundled out for 116
  • Pandya highlights team's bowling options
  • Emphasis on adaptation to tough pitches
2 min read

"Have always taken pride as a batter": Hardik Pandya after India win by 93 runs against Namibia

Hardik Pandya's all-round brilliance leads India to a 93-run win. The star all-rounder discusses his pride as a batter and the team's preparation.

"I've always taken pride as a batter. When it comes off, it adds more sugar to the cake. - Hardik Pandya"

New Delhi, February 12

After Team India registered a commanding 93-run win over Namibia in the T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Hardik Pandya emphasised his commitment to the team and his pride in representing the nation.

After winning the Player of the Match award, Pandya said that he is enjoying cricket. When Hardik was asked about his batting, the Indian all-rounder replied with pride as a batter.

"Just enjoying the sport, had a good couple of months to prepare. Touchwood, everything is going well. I've always taken pride as a batter. When it comes off, it adds more sugar to the cake. The body has been fantastic; it takes a lot of hard work, which I value. Playing for the country is the No. 1 priority," Pandya said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The all-rounder also highlighted the team's preparation and adaptability on challenging wickets. "I do an army-like camp a month before the tournament. We have a lot of options, pacers and spin covered. Varun, Axar and Kuldeep too. They've done a tremendous job. Two back-to-back pitches haven't been batting-friendly, wicket was holding a bit today. You just adapt and let your skill-set work. We'd like a little more flat wickets," he added.

Coming to the match, India posted a commanding total of 209/9 in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan hammered a 24-ball 61, with six fours and five sixes. Hard hitter Hardik Pandya played a fantastic knock of 52 off 28 deliveries, including four boundaries and four towering sixes.

For Namibia, captain Gerhard Erasmus (4/20) took a four-wicket haul. Ben Shikongo (1/41), Bernard Scholtz (1/41), and JJ Smit (1/50) were also among the wicket-takers.

Chasing mammoth 210, openers Louren Steenkamp (29 off 22 balls, with three fours and one six) and Jan Frylinck (22 off 15 balls, with three fours and one six) couldn't convert their start.

Captain Gerhard Erasmus (18 off 11 balls, with two sixes) also failed to score runs with the bat as none of the batters crossed the 30-run mark. Namibia were bundled out for just 116 in 18.2 overs, losing the one-sided contest by 93 runs.

Hardik Pandya (2/21), Arshdeep Singh (1/36), Shivam Dube (1/11), Jasprit Bumrah (1/20), Varun Chakaravarthy (3/7), and Axar Patel (2/20) were among the wicket takers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy to see Hardik smiling and enjoying his cricket again. After all the injury struggles, he deserves this purple patch. His "army-like camp" preparation shows his dedication. Hope he stays fit for the entire World Cup!
V
Vikram M
Good win, but let's be honest, it was against Namibia. The real test is coming. I'm glad Hardik mentioned the pitches. The Kotla wicket wasn't great for batting. Hope the curators prepare better tracks for the knockout matches.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the UK, the Indian team is looking formidable. The depth in bowling is impressive - Bumrah, Arshdeep, and the spin trio. Hardik's all-round show is the X-factor. Best of luck for the semis!
R
Rohit P
Ishan Kishan's innings was the real firestarter! 61 off 24 balls! That set the platform. Hardik finishing it off was perfect. Our batting firepower is scary for any opponent. Bring on the next match! 💥
N
Nikhil C
Respect to Hardik for always putting the country first. That's the attitude we need. But a small note - hope the team management manages his workload carefully. We can't afford him breaking down at a crucial stage.

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