Hardik Pandya hit 22 runs in the 19th over of Mumbai Indians' successful 172-run chase vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (Courtesy by BCCI)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Lasith Malinga and Hardik Pandya shone for MI in their 5-wicket win over RCB on Monday
- Malinga was awestruck by Hardik's big-hitting show in MI's successful chase of 172 vs RCB
- Hardik Pandya was named in India's 15-man squad for 2019 World Cup on Monday
While Lasith Malinga was enjoying his Mumbai Indians teammate Hardik Pandya take the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers to the cleaners on Monday, it seems the Sri Lanka pacer was also wondering how to stop the India big-hitter at the 2019 World Cup.
Hardik Pandya was at his brutal best on Monday in Mumbai's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019clash against Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium. Chasing 172, Rohit Sharma's men lost a bit of momentum towards the middle overs but Hardik made sure Mumbai clinched two points with a 16-ball 37, including two sixes and five boundaries.
Mumbai had needed 22 runs in the final over when RCB skipper Virat Kohli brought in left-arm spinner Pawan Negi into the attack. Sensing an opportunity, Hardik took the attack to Negi and helped MI finish the match with an over to spare.
Hardik smashed 22 runs in the 19th over, hitting Negi for two sixes and a boundary to send the Wankhede crowd into a tizzy on Monday.
"How good for him. I am really scared to bowl to him at the World Cup. If I play against him, I will be scared because we know he is in a really good touch now. Yes, I think we have to restrict him and if we can get an early wicket, I will do that," Lasith Malinga told Mumbai Indians on Monday.
"I am scared to bowl to @hardikpandya7 at the World Cup." - Lasith Malinga#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #MIvRCB #CWC19
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Hardik has been in fine form in IPL 2019. Playing the finisher's role to perfection, The all-rounder has smashed 186 runs at 46.50 from just eight innings. He has been striking at a stunning rate of 191.75 for Mumbai Indians.
Lasith Malinga also shone with the ball against RCB on Monday. After returning to the playing XI, the Sri Lanka great helped MI restrict RCB to 171 despite AB de Villiers smashing a 51-ball 71.
Malinga picked up three wickets, including the big scalp of AB de Villiers in the final over, and finished with figures of 4 for 31 from his four-over quota.
Eventually, Malinga bagged the Man of the Match award. Speaking after MI's win, Malinga said: "It's been tough for me in the last couple of weeks, because I had to go back to Sri Lanka to play domestic cricket. But I realized whenever I play I got to give my 100 percent and today I did my best and we won the game. We have to prepare mentally for this kind of a tournament. Skill-wise you obviously know what to do."
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