Hardik Pandya‘s 25 ball fifty lifted India to 208/6 as they face Australia at the PCA Stadium at Mohali. The finisher hit seven fours and two sixes en route his second fifty. With this half century, he also became the first Indian to register more than one 50+ score while batting at No.5 or below in T20Is of the same year, after his 51(33) vs England at Southampton.

The Gujarats Titans skipper didn’t slow down as he finished the Indian innings on a high after hitting three consecutive sixes in the last over off Cameron Green.

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Social media users were quick to praise the Indian allrounder’s whirlwind knock. Here are some reactions:

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Even Australia legend Ian Bishop couldn’t help but praise the Indian hitter.

Earlier in the game, Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. KL Rahul lost Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli within the first six overs, but he didn’t let that stop him from showing his intent; he reached 50 in 32 balls and built a 68-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav. The two had prepared the ground for Hardik to finish the innings, and he did exactly that. He scored his career-best T20I score while smashing a 25-ball fifty. The allrounder also gave the Men in Blue the final flourish by hitting three consecutive sixes in the last over off Cameron Green to lift India to 208/6. However, Australia is still very much in the game and this can be a high scoring contest since Australia bat deep, with Pat Cummins coming in at No. 8.

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After the first innings came to an end, opener KL Rahul said of his half century,” Looks a good pitch. It took some time to get used to the bounce of the pitch. I have played here in the IPL and I knew the shots that work here. I used my experience.” He further added,” I always work on hitting on both sides of the ground and get into good positions. Fortunately the ball was in the areas where I could hit it for sixes. Glad they came off the middle of the bat.”