How Hardik Pandya's masterplan backfired big time in India vs West Indies series

During the decisive T20I match against the West Indies in Florida, Team India captain Hardik Pandya found himself on the receiving end of Nicholas Pooran's remarkable power hitting. In pursuit of a 166-run target, the West Indies lost Kyle Mayers for 10 runs in the second over delivered by Arshdeep Singh. However, Pooran entered the scene and smashed the final delivery of the over for a six. Pandya was brought in to bowl the third over of the innings, and Pooran capitalized on his bowling, sending the last two balls soaring for maximums.

3 things you need to know

• Hardik Pandya had challenged Nicholas Pooran to hit him for sixes
• Hardik made the remark after the 3rd T20I of the series
• Pooran responded strongly by taking Hardik to cleaners

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Hardik Pandya's comment on Nicholas Pooran backfires

Indian skipper Hardik Pandya had challenged Nicholas Pooran to hit him for sixes after the third T20I against West Indies. Pooran appeared to have responded to Hardik's challenge by hitting him for two sixes in the final match on Sunday.  

The first six was dispatched over the long-on area, while the second sailed over midwicket. Interestingly, after the third T20I in Guyana, which the Indian team won by seven wickets, Pandya had made an intriguing remark about Pooran's intentions to challenge his bowling. 

"Yeah, if Nicky wants to hit, let him hit me; that was the plan. I enjoy that kind of competition where I know I cannot err in line or length a lot as it gives the advantage to Nicky. In the fourth game, I hope he comes very hard at me and gives me a wicket as well," Hardik had said after the 3rd T20I. 

After the West Indies' triumph, Pooran shared a post related to Pandya's earlier comments on his Instagram story. Collaborating with Akeal Hosein, Pooran shared a video in which he indicated zipping his lips, while Hosein playfully blew a flying kiss towards the camera. Accompanying the video was a caption that said, "If you know, you know."

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Pooran leads West Indies' way as they outclass India

Pooran was dismissed for 1 run by Kuldeep Yadav in the fourth T20I, but his pivotal role in the West Indies' series-clinching victory on Sunday couldn't be overlooked. He formed a crucial 107-run partnership for the second wicket with Brandon King (85* off 55), eventually departing for 47 runs off 35 balls. Tilak Varma managed to claim Pooran as his maiden international wicket. 

Image: FanCode