Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya proved to be the difference-maker in the first ODI against Australia at Chennai. The hosts steamrolled the Steve Smith-led side by 26 runs to win the first ODI and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Pandya came in to bat when Virat Kohli’s side were tottering at 87/5 and played an aggressive innings of 83 off 66 deliveries to help India reach 281/7 in the 50 overs. In the process, the Gujarat cricketer smashed leg-spinner Adam Zampa for three consecutive sixes.
The cricketer also took the crucial wickets of Steve Smith and Travis Head to guide India to a convincing win. He was awarded the man-of-the-match award for his complete performance.
Indian fans took to Twitter to hail the Mumbai Indians cricketer.
Congratulations India on a wonderful victory.KungFu Pandya,Chahal were brilliant and MS Dhoni as always showing the stuff that he is made of
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 17, 2017
पण्ड्या को Man of the Match award जीतने की ‘हार्दिक’ बधाई….those 6s were mesmerising but I liked the introduction of the knuckle ball 😊🙏🏏
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 17, 2017
Incredible recovery & a smashing win by India! @hardikpandya7 & @msdhoni are true champs! What a great game!! #INDvAUS #bleedingblue
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) September 17, 2017
Hat trick sixes with the bat..
Two wickets in two overs with the ball..Fantastic day for Hardik Pandya!— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) September 17, 2017
Hardik Pandya, Man of the Match
Batting: 83 Runs Off 66 BallsBowling: 4-0-28-2What A Match Winner.#INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #Dhoni MS Dhoni pic.twitter.com/rUxgON6RxW— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) September 17, 2017
#INDvAUS I know it’s too early bt I think that Hardik Pandya has the ability nd potential to become next Kapil Dev… pic.twitter.com/axkVKOthY8
— Divyanshu (@Divyans20556892) September 17, 2017
Hardik Pandya is developing into a fine all rounder. Love the fact that he sets high standards for himself and plays with no fear.
— Pranay Parab (@prawnay) September 17, 2017
After performing with the bat, @hardikpandya7 is doing the job with the ball! 👌 Head is caught behind & 🇦🇺 are in early trouble. #INDvAUS
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 17, 2017
That’s amazing @hardikpandya7 👌👌👌 pic.twitter.com/JCrCp6B5wM
— Neeta Ambani (@Neeta_Ambani) September 17, 2017
Most hat-tricks of sixes in ODIs since 2000
4 AB de Villiers3 Chris Gayle3 Sanath Jayasuriya3 Hardik Pandya (in space of just 4 months)— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) September 17, 2017
Power of @hardikpandya7 Geez!!
💪💪#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/ynm3Pa9acx— Rahul Sharma 🏏 (@CricFreakRD) September 17, 2017
Congratulations to #TeamIndia🇮🇳
India beat Australia by 26 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series,Stand-out innings by @hardikpandya7 & #MSD pic.twitter.com/YWLZSSoiUB— Sachin Mer 🇮🇳 (@sachinmer) September 17, 2017
This season may well be the one which transforms @hardikpandya7 from a boy to a man. Loads of talent, a Superstar in the making! #INDvAUS
— Hari Sadanandan (@iconstarharry) September 17, 2017
Competently played @hardikpandya7 nd congratulations fr ur achievement nd success. 👍@patelfarheen9 dekha aashirvad ka kamal😂 pic.twitter.com/4hPSODpzKQ
— Sweta Das (@CrazyDivani) September 17, 2017
Proudly Presenting You The Man Of The Match @hardikpandya7
Brilliant All-Round Performance with Bat nd Ball ..#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/pofpkwZNFH— Akash Patel (@akash_0912) September 17, 2017
#KungfuPandya 😘😘Congrats 👏👏 #manofthematch 🙌🙌 Hardik Pandya #MereRashkeQamar in Caribbean hair style😍😍😍lov ur look💝💝#INDvAUS #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/nAFhdDNs9T
— sanjana (@beingsanjana11) September 17, 2017
Proving himself as a complete all rounder.
Upcoming star of team India ‘Hardik Pandya’ He really has a very bright future ahead pic.twitter.com/ym9H8CaFKZ— DIGVIJAY DIXIT (@D_D_Digvijay) September 17, 2017
