Thomas Draca Exclusive: Hardik Pandya, ‘special’ pendant and T20 World Cup dream
However, the highlight was his interaction with Akram. The Indian great and the Pakistan pace legend had a solemn duty to walk out with the T20 World Cup trophy. Before entering the field at the R Premadasa Stadium, the two had a brief chat, posed for photos and embraced each other warmly – a gesture that drew mixed reactions online.The embrace was particularly striking as it unfolded against the backdrop of India’s continued no-handshake stance with the Pakistan team. At the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav again refrained from the customary salute to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, in line with the approach the Indian side has maintained since the Asia Cup. While the policy has been discussed in recent meetings, the exchange between Rohit and Akram offered a reminder that respect between the players transcends the current tension.Amidst a charged atmosphere and packed stands preparing for another wild chapter in the rivalry, the embrace provided a softer picture – two legends from opposite sides of the border linked by a shared history in the game.However, once the match began, the heat gave way to the ruthless efficiency of the defending champions. India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs in their Group A encounter, a result that sealed their place in the Super Eights.HOW INDIA OVERCAME PAKISTANIshan Kishan’s explosive 77 set the platform as India posted 175. The target of 176 was always going to look steep under pressure and the Indian bowlers ensured it remained that way.Hardik Pandya set the tone by opening the wicket, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for a four-ball duck after inducing a mistimed pull. Jasprit Bumrah then struck twice in quick succession – first fooling Saim Ayub with a sharp inswinger and then removing Salman Agh with a tame chip to mid-on. At 13/3 in two overs, Pakistan’s chase was already in ruins.Babar Azam’s dismissal soon after left Pakistan reeling at 34/4. Usman Khan tried to lift the opposition with an enterprising 44, crossing the boundary to lift spirits briefly. However, the asking rate kept rising and the Indian attractors were tightening the screws.Kuldeep Yadav bowled a vital, economical spell to build the pressure before Axar Patel made the breakthrough and stumped Usman just as he threatened to rebuild. From there, the goals fell in a procession. Kuldeep removed Mohammad Nawaz, Tilak Varma struck with his very first ball to dismiss Shadab Khan and Varun Chakaravarthy came through with two scalps.Pandya eventually bowled Usman Tariq’s middle stump to end proceedings as Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs – their third-lowest total in T20 World Cup history.