After struggling with the bat against Oman in Friday’s Group A match at Abu Dhabi, India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya earned praise for his exceptional fielding, with India’s fielding coach T Dilip highlighting his performance under pressure.
Chasing a target of 189, Oman’s batsmen – Jatinder Singh (32), Aamir Kaleem (64), and Hammad Mirza (51) – fought hard but could only take the team to 167 for 4, resulting in a 21-run defeat.
The match reached a critical point when Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza added 93 runs for the second wicket. In the fourth delivery of the 18th over, Harshit Rana bowled a slower ball, which Kaleem sent toward the stands. However, the lack of pace meant the ball did not carry as he intended.
At that moment, Hardik Pandya sprang into action at fine leg, tracking the ball with precision and diving to his right to take a spectacular catch. His awareness, balance, and catching technique delivered India a vital breakthrough.
During the post-match press conference, Dilip praised Pandya’s fielding, saying, “Preparation is one part, but the key is execution under pressure. Everyone saw that we were ready, especially for high and boundary catches. What Hardik did at that moment was exceptional. Playing a horizontal shot like a sweep is never easy, but his technique and awareness of the ropes made it a fabulous catch.”
Earlier in the match, Pandya struggled with the bat, being run out by Jiten Ramanandi on the third ball of the eighth over after scoring just one run.
Looking ahead, India is set to face Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan team on September 21 in the Super Four stage.
On Pandya’s overall performance, Dilip added, “Over a period, Hardik has been outstanding. Regarding workload, we communicate constantly with the trainer and bowling coach to manage intensity. Initially, we focused on volume, and closer to the tournament, it became about specifics for match situations. Hardik has consistently delivered under these conditions.”