Kolkata, Feb 27 (.) Hardik Pandya said he was pleased to rediscover his rhythm after producing a match-winning all-round display in India’s 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Pandya was named Player of the Match after smashing an unbeaten 50 off 23 balls and then delivering a tidy spell of three overs for 21 runs.
“Pretty happy. It sounds 23-ball-50, but I think I had to reassess the situation as well. I felt I was trying to hit too hard. And just in the game, I realised I can time the ball and hit sixes as well. It was a good game to continue the rhythm because I feel in a couple of games I could not do what I wanted to do,” Pandya said during the post-match presentation.
When asked whether the team was monitoring the earlier fixture between South Africa and West Indies, Pandya admitted the players were aware of the situation but remained focused on their own performance.
“Obviously, we all were keeping an eye. Now it’s all about playing good cricket, backing your skill set, absorbing the pressure, and making sure you put the best foot forward. We were keeping an eye, but once that game got over, we focused on the fact that this is our game,” he added.
India piled up the highest total of the tournament so far, posting 256 for 4 after being put in to bat. Abhishek Sharma (55) and Sanju Samson (24) provided a flying start in the powerplay.
Ishan Kishan (38) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (33) maintained the momentum in the middle overs before Pandya and Tilak Varma (44) delivered a powerful late surge to take India past the 250-mark.
The comprehensive win keeps India firmly in contention for a semifinal berth.
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