Hardik Pandya's Unbeaten 50 Powers India to Highest T20 World Cup Total

In a scintillating display of power-hitting, Hardik Pandya propelled India to their highest total of the 2024 T20 World Cup, smashing an unbeaten 27-ball 50 against Bangladesh in the Super 8 encounter in Antigua.

Pandya's blistering knock, which included four boundaries and three towering sixes, came at a staggering strike rate of over 185. He became the first Indian batter to score a half-century at No. 6 in T20 World Cup history, guiding India to a formidable 196 for 5.

The vice-captain's heroics overshadowed significant contributions from Shivam Dube (34 off 24), Rishabh Pant (36 off 24), and Virat Kohli (37 off 28). Bangladesh's Tanzim Hasan Sakib emerged as the pick of their bowlers, claiming two wickets for 32 runs.

Pandya's innings drew widespread praise on social media, with fans hailing his match-winning performance. The 30-year-old's ability to accelerate the scoring rate and clear the boundary with ease proved pivotal for India.

"He (Dube) had to take his time because his role was to take on the spinners," Pandya said during the mid-innings chat. "I think when the time came we both were allowed to free our hands and that was very important to us."

India's total of 196 is their highest ever in T20Is in North Sound. The team will now look to their bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, to defend their imposing score and secure a crucial victory in the Super 8 stage.

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