While Day 1 of India’s first Test against South Africa didn’t paint a very rosy picture for India, the spirits were lifted considerably on Day 2 of the ongoing test match. How? All thanks to Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya! Pandya hit his second Test fifty off just 46 balls and closely missed out on a ton. His well-timed shots helped India add 93 runs to the scoreboard in just 95 balls. Though Pandya got out on 93, his contribution to the team total was significant and was widely appreciated by the netizens. The Twitterati were quick to congratulate the cricketer on his excellent shots, and #HardikPandya was trending on Twitter all evening on January 6.
South Africa vs India 1st Test Day 2: Hosts in Control Despite Hardik Pandya’s Impressive All-Round Show
Hardik Pandya hit 14 boundaries and one six and helped India revive the game. India was bowled out for 209, giving South Africa a 77-run first innings lead. Right from the word go, Pandya was determined to swing the game back in India’s favour. He hit three fours in an over of Vernon Philander. Twitter users pointed out that it almost seemed as if Pandya had forgotten it was a Test match and not a T20 match. Some users also praised the cricketer of delivering his best when the team needs the most. Some also said that Pandya continues to score irrespective of the weather and pitch condition. What’s more, he followed the batting brilliance with the bowling too, and took 2 wickets in just four overs.
Here is how the Twitterati reacted to Hardik Pandya’s 93 off 95:
Superpower!
Bring it on!
History repeats itself!
Saviour!
Statistics:
Some Kjo reference:
Swag se swagat:
Chilled out:
Why fear when Pandya is here:
Bahubali:
After bowling out the hosts for 286 runs, India ended the Day 1 of the Test at 28/3. The top order, Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, were dismissed in quick succession. The pressure was therefore on the lower order to rise to the occasion, which they did very well. The India South Africa tour comprises of three test matches, 6 one-day internationals and three T20 matches. The series will come to an end on February 24, 2018.