All-rounder Hardik Pandya was the only positive for Team India from last night’s ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against India. Defying all odds, Pakistan cricket team outplayed Indian cricket team in the most ruthless and emphatic manner.
India vs Pakistan is always a big match but the massive occasion i.e. Champions Trophy final made it even bigger. After defeating Pakistan in the first group match, India were riding high confidence and there was a common belief among cricket fans that India, being a stronger side on paper, will defeat Pakistan and lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 silverware. But, Pakistan stunned one and all with their aggressive and authoritative performance on the big day.
First, Indian bowlers struggled on a flat wicket as Pakistani batsmen made full use of the conditions and kept scoring boundaries and sixes at regular intervals. In the second innings, Indian batsmen struggled to find any form as Pakistani fast bowlers, specially Mohammed Amir, broke the back of India’s chase by dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan in quick succession.
There was no partnership in the middle for India. But, there was one man who stood tall and gave some hope to Indian cricket fans– Hardik Pandya. Young Pandya displayed phenomenal hitting skills as he scored 76 runs off just 43 balls. He smashed 6 towering sixes and 4 boundaries in his breathtaking cameo. When Pandya was hitting all those sixes, there was a sudden hope among Indian cricket fans that might to something special. But, it wasn’t to be. A moment of miscommunication between him and Jadeja led to an easy run-out opportunity for Pakistan, which they didn’t miss. And Pandya had to take the long walk back to the pavilion. While walking back to the pavilion, Pandya was seen yelling and shouting at his bad luck. He was in a zone where he could have done something special.
On Monday, Hardik took to Twitter and wrote an emotional message for Indian cricket fans:
#CT17 was an incredible journey for #TeamIndia. We gave it our best. A complete team??effort.
Thank you everyone for the messages & support. pic.twitter.com/Ti4oJOYTkU— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) June 19, 2017
