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Hardik Pandya's Dhoni-Like Finish With A Match-Winning Six Stunned Pakistan In Asia Cup

Pandya won India the game with his stellar performance [X]Pandya won India the game with his stellar performance [X]

Two years ago, on this day, experienced Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerged as the hero of the match for his side. His match-winning six, reminiscent of MS Dhoni's famous finishes, sealed India's thrilling victory over their arch-rivals in the 2022 Asia Cup in Dubai. 

Pandya's breathtaking knock not only helped India secure their first victory in the tournament but also left Pakistan stunned. 

Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field first, considering the track's tendency to favour the chasing sides. 

His decision proved a masterstroke, as the Indian bowlers put up a clinical performance, restricting Pakistan to a paltry 147-run total. 

However, in response, India had a shaky start to their innings, losing experienced opener KL Rahul on the second ball of their innings. 

Although Virat Kohli formed a consolidating stand with skipper Rohit, the dismissals of both batters brought Pakistan back into the contest. 

When India's Mr 360, Suryakumar Yadav, departed, the Men in Blue needed 59 more runs to win off just 34 deliveries. 

Hardik Pandya showcased remarkable composure, stitching a valuable stand with Ravindra Jadeja to put India in the driving seat. 

As is often the case in India-Pakistan encounters, this game was a nail-biter, with India needing 21 runs in the final two overs. 

Pandya, unfazed by the pressure, targeted ace speedster Haris Rauf, collecting 14 off the penultimate over. He then sealed the game with a six off Mohammad Nawaz's bowling, adding a dramatic finish to the match. 

He had also scalped three wickets earlier in the game, and his memorable all-round effort earned him the Player Of The Match award.

Hardik Pandya's future assignments

After being ignored for T20I captaincy, Hardik Pandya was rested from India's ODI series against Sri Lanka, featuring only in the T20I leg. 

Up next, he will be taking the field during India's home series against England, which holds significant importance for them from the Champions Trophy 2025 perspective.