Hardik Pandya, on Wednesday (February 1), led Team India to yet another T20I series win as the Men in Blue thrashed New Zealand in the series-decider at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India thoroughly dominated the contest to inflict a humiliating 168-run defeat on the visitors. Almost everything fell in place for Team India right from the toss till the end as they clinched the series 2-1. Shubman Gill was the star with the bat while Hardik Pandya led the charge with the ball.
After deciding to bat first, the hosts piled up a mammoth total of 234 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs. Opener Gill led the charge with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 126 off just 63 balls. His knock was studded with 12 fours and 7 sixes.
The likes of Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya also made notable contributions with the bat to help India post a huge total. In reply, New Zealand just could not cope up with the pressure of chasing down such a big total and crumbled like a pack of cards.
The Black Caps were all out for just 66. Pandya was the star with the ball, taking 4 for just 16 runs while Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik and Shivam Mavi picked up 2 wickets apiece.
Hardik Pandya’s gesture for Prithvi Shaw:
Hardik Pandya has won over the fans with his brilliant gesture for Prithvi Shaw. The young opening batsman did not play a single game in the series and so the captain’s special gesture for him has delighted the fans.
After collecting the trophy, Hardik Pandya approached his teammates before handing it over to Prithvi Shaw. The gesture seemingly made the young batsman extremely happy as he looked most excited of the lot. Prithvi was more than happy to take the trophy from his captain before celebrating with his teammates.
Here is a clip of the beautiful moment:
Captain @hardikpandya93 collects the @mastercardindia trophy from BCCI president Mr. Roger Binny & BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Jay Shah ??
Congratulations to #TeamIndia who clinch the #INDvNZ T20I series 2️⃣-1️⃣ @JayShah pic.twitter.com/WLbCE417QU
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2023