Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur praises Hardik Pandya for his all-rounding performance in India vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2022.
Mickey Arthur Praises Hardik Pandya
The rivalry teams India and Pakistan locked their horns to play their first match of the tournament on August 28.
Rohit Sharma-led India beats Pakistan by 5 wickets in their first match of the Asia Cup 2022. Though India strangles while batting, it was Hardik Pandya who made some crucial knocks and led the Indian cricket team to win the match with 2 balls left to bowl.
“He is a wonderful player. It is almost like India play with 12 players. It takes me back when I was with South Africa and we had Jacques Kallis. You have got a guy that can genuinely be one of your four seamers and can bat in Top 5. It is almost like playing with an extra player. I have seen Hardik mature and mature,” Mickey Arthur said on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Timeout.
“Leadership around the last IPL was outstanding, he managed his team really well. He played the pressure situations really well for his team. I think he is blossoming into a very fine cricketer,” he added.
Batting first Pakistan scored 147 runs for 10 wickets loss where Rizwan scored the highest of 43 runs. Hardik with the ball uprooted 3 main wickets like Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Khushdil for 43, 28, and 2 runs.
During the chase, India made an unfavoured start where they lose KL Rahul in the very first over. Soon Rohit walks out for 12 runs while Virat loses his wicket for 35 runs. At a stage, India was in a need of 41 runs off 24 balls while Hardik and Jadeja pose threat for Pakistan bowlers.
But Jadeja’s wicket in the first ball of the last over made a dramatic situation but Hardik handled it like a pro and hits a six off the 4th delivery and leads India to win the match by 5 wickets.
“First of all, very happy to get this win because it was very important for us. Our nerves were checked, and as a team, we were kind of challenged as well but loved the way he (Jadeja) came out and played as well. Jaddu and I have been playing together for 7-8 years,” Hardik said in a video posted on BCCI’s official website.
“The Indian team is known for Top 3, very grateful that we are also getting the opportunities now and we are able to do the job. Our process is to play the World Cup and get the maximum opportunities. So going ahead, if the similar situation presents itself, we will remember this game.”
From @hardikpandya7‘s emotional Asia Cup journey to @imjadeja‘s solid batting display! 👍 👍
The all-rounder duo chat up after #TeamIndia win their #AsiaCup2022 opener against Pakistan – by @ameyatilak
Full interview 🎥 🔽 https://t.co/efJHpc4dBo #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/MJOij6bDRl
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 29, 2022
India will their next match against Hong Kong on August 31 in Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
