Hardik Pandya bowls one more over after receiving Player of the Match award against Zimbabwe

Hardik Pandya shared his love for bowling with the new ball, saying it challenges batters and gives him wicket-taking opportunities.

Updated on: Feb 27, 2026, 07:27:49 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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India all-rounder Hardik Pandya remained fully focused after earning the Player of the Match award in India’s Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026. Pandya showcased his all-round brilliance, smashing a quick 50 off just 23 balls to set the tone for India’s innings. With the ball, he delivered a tidy spell, conceding only 21 runs in three overs. Though he did not bowl his full quota, he ensured one over remained, which he bowled after receiving his Player of the Match accolade, further underlining his commitment to the team and his influence in both departments of the game. He continued bowling alongside Shivam Dube after the match, as both were accompanied by coaching staff.

Hardik Pandya bowled the final over post Player of the Match win. (Jio Hotstar/Screengrab)

After receiving the award, Hardik shared his love for bowling with the new ball, saying it challenges batters and gives him wicket-taking opportunities, adding that he still has one over left to bowl.

"I think I like bowling with a new ball. It swings. I mean, God has been kind. I have the skillset of bowling in swing, out swing both. So I really enjoy. I think it gives me the opportunity to take wickets as well. It challenges the batter as well. So yeah, pretty satisfied. I still have to bowl my one over, which I’m going to go after this," Hardik said.

Also Read - Sunil Gavaskar exposes repeat error in Sanju Samson’s soft dismissal on comeback vs Zimbabwe: 'Holed out once again'

“I felt I was trying to hit too hard”: Hardik Pandya

Meanwhile, the star all-rounder excelled as a finisher, smashing a half-century capped with back-to-back sixes off the final two balls. He remained composed under pressure, made up for a few mishits, and capitalised on loose deliveries.

Pandya reflected on his quickfire 23-ball fifty, explaining how he adjusted his approach mid-innings to find the right balance between timing and power.

"It sounds strange, 23-ball 50, but I think I had to reassess the situation as well. What I meant by that, I felt I was trying to hit too hard. And just in the game, I realised, I think I can time the ball and hit sixes as well. So I think for me, it was a good game to continue the rhythm because I feel a couple of games I had which I could not do what I wanted to do. So really satisfied," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Hardik Pandya

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