India vs Australia: “Hardik Pandya played like MS Dhoni,” says Australia head-coach Justin Langer

India vs Australia: “Hardik Pandya played like MS Dhoni,” says Australia head-coach Justin Langer
Hardik Pandya

India defeated Australia in the second T20I by 6 wickets and 2 balls to spare in what proved to be a thrilling encounter to clinch the 3-match-series. The hero for India was Hardik Pandya who came up with a match-winning knock in the second innings to finish the game off for his side. Earlier, Matthew Wade and Steve Smith had helped Australia to a big score of 194.

In the chase, India ensured that the target always stayed within reach thanks to brisk knocks from the top 4. However, it was ultimately left to Hardik Pandya to finish the game off when the required run-rate was climbing. That was exactly what the all-rounder did sealing victory in the last over.

‘We know how dangerous Pandya is’ – Justin Langer

Justin Langer

Australia head-coach Justin Langer spoke at a virtual post-match press conference about Hardik Pandya’s innings and said, “It was an incredible spectacle of a game. We know how dangerous he (Pandya) is. In the past we had MS Dhoni and the way he (Pandya) played today. He has played really well all summer so, obviously it was a great innings in the end there.”

Langer further talked about the importance of India’s experience which helped them. “I thought the whole game was a very close one. Our fielding was absolutely incredible, it was electric to watch, but India with their experienced T20 players were too good for us today. I am proud of my players. It was a great spectacle, on a Sunday night India versus Australia, it got so close, it was a really exciting game. We batted really well, had enough runs and thought India would have to bat really well,” Langer said.

Langer was also all praise for both sides’ captains. Speaking firstly about Virat Kohli, “Some of Virat (Kohli’s) shots, I have said for years he (Kohli) is the best player I have probably ever seen. Some of the shots he played tonight were extraordinary and (they got) good opening partnership and got over the line,” the head coach said. He then spoke about Matthew Wade, the stand-in captain of Australia and said, “He did a really good job, mixed the bowling around well, that catch to get Virat out was an excellent catch. He had a good game.”

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