Hardik Pandya played a stunning knock during India’s 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The highlight of his innings was a no-look six off Jamie Overton to reach his half-century, a moment that even skipper Suryakumar Yadav applauded.
Overton bowled a slower delivery but missed his mark, allowing Pandya to clear his front leg and smash the ball straight over the sight screen. This marked his first fifty in 14 innings, and he made it in style.
Here is the video:
𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙉𝘿 & 𝘿𝙀𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀𝙍! 💥#HardikPandya completes a sensational half-century and in some style! 💪🏻👏🏻
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 31, 2025
📺 Start watching FREE on Disney+ Hotstar: https://t.co/Ykec5ZILkh#INDvENGOnJioStar 👉 4th T20I LIVE NOW on Disney+ Hotstar & Star Sports! | #KhelAasmani pic.twitter.com/qsjYQi6bi4
Pandya started aggressively before playing sensibly in the middle overs, only to unleash his attacking shots in the end. Unfortunately, his innings ended while attempting one big hit too many.
Dube also had a dramatic moment, getting hit on the helmet by an Overton bouncer. He was replaced by seamer Harshit Rana under controversial concussion substitute rules. Rana, however, made an impact, taking three wickets as England were bowled out for 166, sealing India’s series win with a 3-1 lead.
The final T20I will be held in Mumbai on Sunday, followed by three ODIs between the two sides.
India had struggled initially as England’s pacers troubled the top order with their short-pitched deliveries. However, Pandya and comeback player Shivam Dube rescued the innings. Pandya, batting at No. 7, was a perfect mix of power and elegance, scoring 53 off just 30 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes. Dube matched his effort with a 53-run knock off 34 balls, and their crucial 87-run partnership off 48 deliveries helped India post a respectable total of 181/9.