Twitter Reactions: Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli power India to 168 after sedate start in semi-final

India ended up with a competitive total of 168 for 6 in their 20 overs after a slow start to the innings and half-centuries from Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli proved to be the turning point in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 at the Adelaide Oval.

Earlier, England opted to bowl first after winning the toss and Chris Woakes got rid of KL Rahul for just five runs in the second over. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat took time initially and ensured that they don't not lose any more wickets. Rohit hit four fours in his knock of 27 off 28 balls and was removed in the ninth over when India needed him to go big.  

Kohli played his usual game by rotating the strike comfortably while finding the odd boundaries. In-form batter Suryakumar Yadav came to the crease with a positive mindset and hit one four and a six before Adil Rashid dismissed him for a ten-ball 14. Rashid was going through a brilliant spell and he finished his quota quickly with figures of 1 for 20.  

India finish strong after slow start

Hardik Pandya and Kohli joined hands at the crease and the intent was to up the ante straight away. The all-rounder managed to use the short square boundaries to his advantage and cleared the ropes easily while Kohli reached his fourth half-century of the tournament. Right after reaching the milestone, Kohli was dismissed as Rashid took an excellent catch at third.  

Pandya kept going and capitalised quite well with his exceedingly rapid bat swing which allowed India to go past the 150-run mark which looked tough at one stage. The 29-year-old got to his fifty in no time and bailed India out from a situation where they could have ended up with a low score.

In the end, Pandya pushed India to 168 with some tremendous shots and was dismissed off the final delivery after a 33-ball 63 comprising of four fours and five sixes.

Here's how the Twitter reacted to India's total:

Cometh the hour cometh the man!! @hardikpandya7 what a knock to take india up to good total. Well supported by @imVkohli. Now time for the bowlers take Us to Victory!! #INDvsENG #T20worldcup22

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) November 10, 2022

India were 62/2 in ten overs.we may still win it but does anyone else feel that it’s probably ten runs short in the first ten #INDvsENG #T20WorldCup https://t.co/UUwxZnetnm

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) November 10, 2022

Serious knock #HardikPandya Be a cracking game if #Eng can chase this. Someone will have to match Hardik with a special knock. #INDvsENG #ICCT20WorldCup2022

— Ashwell Prince (@ashyp_5) November 10, 2022

A par score for Team India thanks to the fabulous hitting by @hardikpandya7.. from 13 off 15 to 63 off 33, it requires something especial to do so. Bowl well and pressure of knockout will get England. Go boys Go. #IndvsEng pic.twitter.com/bJkcRyorYB

— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) November 10, 2022

Hardik smashing 51 off the last 21 balls he played. Such a part of this indian side #INDvsENG #T20WorldCup

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) November 10, 2022

Just above Par .. Slow pitch .. India favourites .. #ICCWorldCup2022

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 10, 2022

Pant, place in side uncertain but sacrifices his wicket to get Pandya on strike. Team first will bring personal success in the future. #INDvENG #T20WorldCup

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) November 10, 2022

Pandeyaaaaaaaaa you beauty @hardikpandya7 #INDvsENG @BCCI

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 10, 2022

With two very short side boundaries, the Indian innings desperately needed that. Thanks Hardik! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 10, 2022

Naaaice 🫶 pic.twitter.com/pyfcT6vVQT

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 10, 2022

“Aaj dekhna irfan bhai”… when I said tu bindasst khel to @hardikpandya7 Well batted buddy

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 10, 2022

Just touched down in Joburg. I see India’s in a good position for a strong finish. Slow deck of Adelaide helps the fielding side to squeeze. A good finish will put India a controlling position. Never easy to chase a decent target on a slow deck

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 10, 2022

The confidence. The class. Awesome as always! @hardikpandya7 #INDvsENG

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 10, 2022