"A game like no other" - Hardik Pandya recalls epic 2022 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan on the match's 2-year anniversary

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya recently recalled the epic clash against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2022. Exactly two years ago, Pandya and Virat Kohli stitched together a game-changing partnership, which helped India avenge their 2021 T20 World Cup defeat against the Men in Green.

Playing at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Pakistan set a 160-run target for India in the group-stage match. India collapsed to 31/4 as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel lost their wickets cheaply.

Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli then rebuilt the Indian innings by adding 113 runs for the fifth wicket but Pandya lost his wicket in the final over. Kohli then stayed in the middle and finished off the game for India along with Ravichandran Ashwin.

Looking back at that game, Pandya wrote on his Instagram story:

"23.10.2022. A game like no other and one that will stay with me forever. Nothing makes me happier than playing for my country."

Virat Kohli won the Man of the Match award for his brilliant 82-run knock. Hardik Pandya supported him to perfection, scoring a 37-ball 40, in a knock which included one four and two sixes.

Hardik Pandya played a huge role in India's win against Pakistan that night

Apart from sharing a 113-run stand with Virat Kohli for the fifth wicket, Pandya also made a difference with his bowling in the first innings. He was the pick of the bowlers for the Men in Blue, returning with figures of 3/30 in four overs.

The all-rounder dismissed Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Haider Ali to leave Pakistan reeling at 115/6 in the 16th over.

It goes without saying that Pandya's all-round brilliance played a big role in India's win. Unfortunately, India could not win the T20 World Cup that year as they lost against England in the semi-final.

​