Raipur
Win Projections to be updated soon
Suryakumar and Hardik forged a partnership of 60 runs off 37 balls for the fifth wicket after coming together following Shivam Dube’s dismissal, which left India at 90 for 4 in the 11th over. Rashid Khan took three of those wickets.
“Surya and Hardik’s collaboration was crucial for us at that moment,” Rohit stated during the host broadcast after the match. “We were losing wickets consistently, so we needed someone to bat through. Surya did that well along with Hardik.”
“Over the past two years, we’ve played T20 cricket here in the West Indies, so we have an understanding of the conditions and structured our innings accordingly. Scoring 181 was a commendable effort from our batsmen. We were aware of the quality of the bowling we had to defend that total, and they executed it perfectly.”
Suryakumar, who was named Player of the Match for his 28-ball 53, mentioned that the decision to take on the bowlers, especially Rashid, was intentional due to the sluggish pitch.
“When Hardik came to bat, I told him we need to maintain the same intent, not leaving it too late,” he said. “It would have been challenging with the ball reversing. I advised him to keep pushing and assess where we stand after 16 overs. I’m glad we reached 180.”
Suryakumar hit Rashid for 16 runs off six deliveries, including two fours and a powerful slog sweep for six.
“I started chewing my gum even harder when he [Kohli] got out. But I knew I’ve played this phase before, and with the left-handers coming in, it became a little easier”
Suryakumar Yadav
“When I play, I’m very clear in my mind what I want to do,” Suryakumar said. “When he [Rashid] bowls, it’s very difficult to pick him. I know what shots to play when I am inside. He’s the best bowler in the world, you can’t let him dominate. You have to be a step ahead.”
Suryakumar’s contribution, his second consecutive half-century of the T20 World Cup, came at a strike rate of nearly 190. He entered the crease in the seventh over and witnessed Virat Kohli being caught at long-off, leaving India at 62 for 3 in the ninth over.
“I’ve practiced batting in the middle overs and have experience playing there,” Suryakumar mentioned. “I enjoy batting between overs seven to 15, where teams try to control the game.
“I started chewing my gum even harder when he [Kohli] got out. But I knew I’ve played this phase before, and with the left-handers coming in, it became a little easier. I backed my game, backed my instincts, and most importantly, my intent that needed to be strong at that time.”
