Damn, I was close to a hundred: Hardik Pandya after sensational 34-ball 91
Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya sent a timely reminder to his critics just before the 2019 World Cup with a dazzling knock against Kolkata Knight Riders in match 47 of the Indian Premier League 2019 on Sunday night at the Eden Gardens.
Put into bat, Kolkata Knight Riders rode on Andre Russell's 40-ball 80 not out and half-centuries by Shubman Gill (76; 45 balls, 4x6, 6x4) and Chris Lynn (54; 29 balls, 4x8, 6x2) to post 232/2, this season's highest total.
In reply, Hardik Pandya was the sole shining light for Mumbai Indians with a swashbuckling 91 off 34 balls (4x6, 6x9), his highest score in this format, as Mumbai managed 198/7 in 20 overs.
At 58/4, Mumbai Indians were down and out but Hardik Pandya reignited their hopes with a breathtaking knock.
In the end, Pandya's dismissal in the 18th over sealed the game in Kolkata Knight Riders' favour. The Indian all-rounder's cracking innings comprised nine sixes and six fours.
Speaking after the match, Hardik Pandya revealed what went through his mind when he was nearing his hundred.
"I was just telling Krunal 'damn, I was close to a hundred' that is something new for me. The situation demanded to go all out and I was lucky enough everything was coming out, except the ball I got out," Hardik Pandya said after the match.
Hardik Pandya said he had little time to waste chasing a steep target.
"To be honest, with this kind of total you don't think much, just go out there and express yourself. I knew Pollard was there, I couldn't take time and I just wanted to enjoy the game," he said.
"I am just holding my shape pretty well and the confidence makes a huge difference. I knew something different had to happen, but it was difficult for one guy to keep going. If Krunal had got a couple, we would have been proper in the game. My plan was to get close to the total so that the run rate doesn't get effected," he added.
Mumbai Indians, who have 14 points from 12 matches, are third on the IPL 2019 Points Table. The Rohit Sharma-led team will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 2.
Meanwhile, this was Kolkata Knight Riders' first win over Mumbai Indians since April 8, 2015.
The much-needed win keeps Kolkata Knight Riders alive in the tournament as they now have 10 points from 12 matches.
