[Watch] Hardik Pandya's short ball too quick for Aaron Jones during IND vs USA T20 World Cup 2024 match

Hardik Pandya once again chipped in with a crucial scalp for India during the T20 World Cup campaign, this time dismissing USA's stand-in skipper Aaron Jones in New York on Wednesday, June 12. Jones departed for 11 runs off 22 balls.

The USA had been rocked early by a double strike from Arshdeep Singh and after a period of consolidation, Jones decided to take the attack to the Indian team. He played a hook shot off Mohammed Siraj and deposited it over the fine-leg boundary.

However, he tried the same shot against Hardik Pandya and couldn't adjust against the steep bounce. Aaron Jones could only get a top-edge and Siraj completed a simple catch at fine leg.

Here's a video of the dismissal:

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Hardik chipping away with such crucial wickets is what makes him invaluable to India's T20 World Cup side. Jones could have caused some damage and was a key batter to help the USA get to a competitive total.

Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya give India the ascendency

India were bang on the money from ball one as Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian bowler to take a wicket on the first ball of a T20 World Cup match. He trapped Shayan Jahangir right in front and then got Andries Gous caught at mid off by Hardik Pandya to give his team a double strike.

Aaron Jones and Steven Taylor then got together and tried to absorb the pressure put on by Arshdeep, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. With just 18 runs scored in the powerplay, Jones tried to up the ante and that gave Hardik his first wicket of the day.

Just when it looked like Taylor would get going after hitting a couple of sixes, he was cleaned up by Axar Patel. The USA find themselves in a spot of bother at 59/4 after 12 overs.