Indian cricket is now gearing up for the Netherlands challenge on Thursday as they gear up to play their 2nd game in the Super 12 stage. The game on Thursday will be played at the famed Sydney Cricket Ground in the 2nd match of three that is to be played on the same day. India began their campaign with a pulsating win over Pakistan at MCG on Sunday 23rd October, 2022.
The story as it happened –
Hardik Pandya played a pivotal role in the Indian win over Pakistan with both bat and ball. The 29 year old first picked 3 wickets with the ball during the Pakistani batting. This included two wickets in a single over, that of Shadab Khan and Haider Ali. With the bat then Pandya score a crucial 40 off 37 balls while adding over 100 runs with Kohli as India found themselves at 4/31 at one stage.
Pandya makes a huge statement on Spirit of Cricket –
Over the last few months there has been a huge debate and furor about the backing up too far at the non-strikers law. The debate began with Deepti Sharma running out Charlotte Dean during the Indian Women’s ODI tour of England just a few weeks ago.
Hardik Pandya was part of the nerve wracking game against Pakistan, where the bowlers might have had their eyes on the batters backing up too far at all times. Speaking about this, Pandya said while speaking to ICC REVIEW “We need to stop making a fuss about this running out the non-striker. It is a rule, as simple as that. To hell with the spirit of the game, if it is there, it is there. Personally, I have no problem with it. If I am out of my crease, and someone runs me out, it is fine. It is my mistake”
At a loss for words… Wouldn’t have preferred anyone else with me out there @imVkohli 👑🫡 One of the best games of my life 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/jWge1qy5lj
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) October 23, 2022
Dutch challenge for India next –
Thursday will be the day when India’s group will be at its busiest as South Africa take on Bangladesh. Pakistan take on Zimbabwe at Perth in the late evening game at the OPTUS stadium. The game at SCG will witness India and Netherlands lock horns, with the Dutch losing their 1st game to Bangladesh.
India will be vary of the threat as the Dutch have some dangerous players in their line up, with Paul Van Meekeren with his skiddy pace being the most obvious threat.