Top 3 ODI Knocks By Hardik Pandya for India

Hardik Pandya scored 87 in the Asia Cup 2023 opener. (Twitter)

In a rain-affected match between India and Pakistan in Kandy on September 2, vice-captain of the Indian team Hardik Pandya smashed a fighting half-century to rescue his team from a challenging situation. His brilliant innings saw him amass a total of 87 runs from 90 deliveries, featuring an impressive array of seven boundaries and a six.

India batted first in Pallekele, but they experienced a top-order collapse that left them reeling at 66/4. It was in this challenging situation that Pandya stepped up. His partnership with Ishan Kishan (82) turned the tide as they combined forces to form a formidable 138-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Pandya's innings was a testament to his maturity and adaptability as a middle-order batter. He began his innings cautiously, taking the time to settle at the crease before launching into a well-constructed innings. Unfortunately, he fell short of what would have been his maiden ODI century, dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 44th over.

Despite the match ultimately ending in a no-result due to inclement weather, Pandya's performance highlighted his immense value as a batter, reaffirming his suitability for the 50-over format. On that note, we look at three of Pandya's most outstanding batting performances in ODIs:

3) 83 off 66 vs Australia (2017)

Hardik Pandya smashing a six. (X.com)

In a thrilling encounter during the 2017 series against Australia, India found themselves batting first and struggling at 87-5 in the 22nd over. Pandya, batting at number 7, unleashed a blistering knock, accumulating 83 runs from 66 deliveries, including five sixes and five fours. His remarkable 66-ball 83, combined with MS Dhoni's contribution of 79 off 88 balls, powered India to a competitive total of 281 for seven. Pandya delivered with the ball as well, where he picked up two wickets. India eventually won the game by 26 runs courtesy of the DLS method.

2) 71 off 55 vs England (2022)

Pandya playing a pull shot. (X.com)

In a series deciding third ODI against England in 2022, India found themselves in trouble at 72-4 after 16.2 overs, with key batters back in the hut. Pandya's entry into the fray changed the game's dynamics. He unleashed an explosive innings, smashing 71 runs off 55 balls, featuring 10 fours. Pandya's partnership of 133 runs for the 5th wicket with Rishabh Pant turned the tide, propelling India to a 5-wicket victory. While Pant's sensational century garnered significant attention, Pandya's innings played a crucial role in setting up the win.

1) 92* off 76 vs Australia (2020)

Pandya raising his bat and acknowledging the crowd. (X.com) 

In a bid to avoid a series whitewash against Australia, India faced adversity early on, losing their first wicket with only 26 runs on the board and eventually slipping to 152-5. Pandya, batting at number six, emerged as the linchpin of India's innings, crafting an exceptional unbeaten innings of 92 runs from 76 deliveries, including seven fours and one six. His resolute performance helped India amass a total of 302 runs, leading to a 13-run victory.

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