What a year it has been for Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. From doing a comeback into IPL as Gujarat Lions Skipper to winning the title and then carrying on the fabulous form giving one after the other match-winning performances. In the match against Pakistan in Asia Cup on 28th August, Hardik delivered with the ball as well as the bat. Pandya took 3/25 in his quota of 4 overs. With the bat, he played a crucial inning of 33* in 17 balls. In the last over, 6 runs were needed off 3 balls. Hardik smashed a flat six over long-on and took the match home.Â
Hardik’s exceptional individual performance against Pakistan helped him jump eight places on the T20I all-rounder rankings, up to the fifth position, his highest-ever spot. The Asia Cup being played in the T20 format will be the rehearsal for the T20 World Cup later this year in Australia. Hardik Pandya performances show how crucial his influence will be in India’s World Cup campaign.
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Afghanistan’s exceptional performances too rewarded
Afghanistan’s winning start to the tournament hasn’t gone unnoticed. With several players awarded in the updated rankings. Rashid Khan’s run for the No.1 bowler spot has been rewarded with a two-spot jump to third (708 points). Khan climbed over fellow leg-spinners Adil Rashid and Adam Zampa.
Rashid’s teammate Mujeeb Ur Rahman has entered the top 10 with a seven-spot move up the rankings (660). Bhuvneshwar Kumar (661) occupies the 8th spot, whose 4/26 against Pakistan guided the Men in Blue to victory. Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai’s innings of 23 (26) and 37 (28) led him to a three-spot rise to 14th (611). Teammate Rahmanullah Gurbaz meanwhile, moved up five spots to 29th. However, India’s Ravindra Jadeja (384) holds the top spot in ICC’S T20 All rounder rankings.
