5 instances when Hardik Pandya hit three consecutive six in international cricket
Hardik Pandya, a flamboyant all-rounder with an aggressive batting style, has made a mark for himself in international cricket. He has a keen penchant towards hitting big sixes, especially, against spin bowlers. He loves to hit them out of the park.
Hardik has hit 65 sixes so far in his international career. He has shown an impeccable judgment in picking the ball to be hit. On his day, the hard-hitter can destroy any bowler in the world. Smashing a spinner for three consecutive sixes has become a feature of his batting.
In the fifth match of the ODI series against New Zealand, Hardik smashed leg-spinner Todd Astle for three consecutive sixes in the 47th over of the innings.
It was the fifth instance when Pandya has smashed three successive sixes against a spinner in international cricket. In chronological order, let us have a look at all of them.
#5 India vs Pakistan, ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Group match
It was the first time when Hardik displayed the unique characteristic. Coming in to bat in the second last over of the innings, he faced just one ball before he wreaked havoc on Imad Wasim who was bowling the final over of the Indian innings.
Hardik smashed three sixes on the first three balls of the last over and helped India finish their innings on a high. He hammered the first ball, pitched on off-stump, over long-off for a gigantic six. The second ball was a bit wider, but Hardik, already anticipating it, launched the ball over long-off for a flat six before making it a hat-trick as the third ball sailed over mid-wicket.
In the second innings of the match, Hardik chipped in with two wickets. India defeated Pakistan by 124 runs to start the Champions Trophy with a bang.