Champion: Virat Kohli hails Hardik Pandya after heroics against Pakistan in Asia Cup match
India Today
Hardik Pandya took three wickets and hit a quickfire 33 off just 17 balls against Pakistan on Sunday, August 28. Four years ago, Pandya suffered a back injury during the 2018 event against the same opponent.
Former India captain Virat Kohli hailed Hardik Pandya's heroics, calling the all-rounder a "champion" after he inspired the team to beat Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup.
Hardik Pandya took three wickets and hit a quickfire 33 off just 17 balls on Sunday, August 28. The all-rounder rattled the middle-order of Pakistan to bundle them out for 147. India pacers combined took all 10 wickets, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking four wickets, and Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan picking two and one each respectively.
During India's chase, Pandya, along with Ravindra Jadeja, formed a 52-run partnership after an early collapse of the top-order. With just seven runs needed off the final over bowled by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, Pandya cleared the long-on in the fourth ball to take India home.
Virat Kohli took to his Instagram story to share the picture of "champion" Pandya after the latter took India home.
Pandya said that he was recalling the 2018 Asia Cup while playing in the 2022 match. During the 2018 event, Pandya suffered a back injury and was stretchered off the field. Four years later, the all-rounder won the Player of the Match for his performance.
The comeback is greater than the setback pic.twitter.com/KlnD4GZ4ZO
