In a summit clash against South Africa, India lost three wickets in quick succession, but then Virat Kohli and Axar Patel forged a crucial 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket, propelling India to a competitive total of 176\/7.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In response, when South Africa came tantalizingly close with impressive performances from Quinton de Kock (39), Heinrich Klaasen (52), Tristan Stubbs (31), and David Miller (21).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik turned the table with their scintillating show to help India fight back in the match and emerge victorious to end an 11-year-long global trophy drought as they restricted South Africa to 169\/8.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We always believe we can do it. It was just about how we execute our plans, stay calm, and let the pressure come to them. I mean, credit to Jassi and the fast bowlers; the way they bowled those last 4-5 overs changed everything. And yeah, it was about time to get it,\" said Hardik after the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the chase, David Miller joined Heinrich Klaasen as their combined big hitting got the required run rate down to a run a ball, with 30 deliveries remaining. But, Hardik removed the latter in the 17th over. Then, Bumrah removed Marco Jansen shortly afterwards.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
And Hardik struck again to get rid of Miller in the first ball of the final over for 21, which proved to be the final nail in the coffin.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about his on his bowling during the last over, Hardik said. \"I knew pretty surely that if I wasn\u2019t going to be calm, it wouldn't help me. So for me, it was simple: execute my plans and make sure that every ball I bowl, I commit 100%. So yeah, I mean, I have been in this situation before. Yes, I have not always succeeded, but I have always enjoyed pressure situations. All of a sudden, my run-up speed increased as well when the time came. So yeah, it\u2019s been wonderful, and I have very much enjoyed it.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Notably, it was head coach Rahul Dravid's last day at the office as his contract ends with the culmination of the T20 World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about his on his bowling during the last over, Hardik said. \"I knew pretty surely that if I wasn\u2019t going to be calm, it wouldn't help me. So for me, it was simple: execute my plans and make sure that every ball I bowl, I commit 100%. So yeah, I mean, I have been in this situation before. Yes, I have not always succeeded, but I have always enjoyed pressure situations. All of a sudden, my run-up speed increased as well when the time came. So yeah, it\u2019s been wonderful, and I have very much enjoyed it.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n