'We were not able to execute our plans and deliveries': Hardik Pandya after loss to Australia in first T20I

The all-rounder lauded Cameron Green for his brilliant half-century, which laid the foundation for a successful chase by the Aussies

By ANI

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Photo: ANI
Photo: ANI

Published: Wed 21 Sep 2022, 9:21 AM

Following his side's four-wicket loss to Australia in the first T20I in Mohali, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya said that the team was not able to execute its plans and deliveries.

Indian bowlers once again fell short as they failed to defend the 209-run target in the first T20I against Australia, at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, Punjab. India is now trailing 0-1 in the three-match T20I series.


"There was no dew, you just need to give them some credit for playing some good cricket. They played some good shots. We were not able to execute our plans and deliveries," said Pandya in a post-match press conference.

On whether Harshal Patel's expensive 18th over was a turning point of the match, Pandya said that nothing could be pin-pointed.


"It is a game. Even they (Australia) conceded 24-25 runs in an over. It is a bilateral series. We will get try to get better," he added.

The all-rounder lauded Cameron Green for his brilliant half-century, which laid the foundation for a successful chase by the Aussies.

"Good on him to play with the way he played. We watched a lot of videos and did a lot of preparation. At the end of day, It is about execution. You can watch the videos, but if you do not execute your plans, it will hurt you. He played some good shots," he said.

When questioned whether pacer Jasprit Bumrah's absence is hurting the team, Pandya said:

"We all know what Bumrah brings to the side and how important he is to us. There will be concerns here and there, it is fine. These fifteen are the best players in the country and that is why they are playing. Bumrah being there makes a big difference, but he is coming after an injury, he should get enough time to come back and not put a lot of pressure on himself."

"As a team, we want to get better. Losing teaches you. We all are aware of where we can get better. We are a process-driven team. By the time the world cup comes, we will make sure to focus on our processes, and where we can improve. I am confident about the guys. They have done this in the past. Few games do not change much for us," he added.

Pandya declared that he did not make a big deal about his own performances and failures, because of the career graph he has had over the years.

"I have scored zeroes as well. I have been neutral. For me, it is important that I focus on the next game and be ready for something new, so that I can be one step ahead," he said.

Coming to the match, after being put to bat first by Australia, India lost skipper Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (2) for small scores. This left the Men in Blue struggling at 35/2. KL Rahul (55) and Suryakumar Yadav (46) then stabilised the innings with a 68-run stand. Then, Hardik Pandya played a brilliant knock of 71* off just 30 balls with seven fours and five sixes, to finish the innings at 208/6.

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Chasing 209, openers Aaron Finch (22) and Cameron Green stitched a quick-fire 39-run stand to get Australia off to a solid start.

Green played some really impressive strokes, and stitched a 70-run stand with Steve Smith (35). Green was dismissed for an impressive 61 off 30 balls. Following this, India made a comeback to the match, getting the wickets of Smith, Glenn Maxwell (1) and Josh Inglis (17) within a space of just 36 runs.

However, wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade (45*) and debutant Tim David (18) forged a 62-run stand to help the Aussies win the match by four wickets, finishing the innings at 211/6.

Cameron Green was adjudged as 'Man of the Match' for his 61 and 1/46.


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