Team India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a terrific statement by pitching in with a masterful bowling performance against Ireland in the T20 World Cup 2024 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Hardik PandyaIndian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first. Ireland were bowled out for a paltry 96. Hardik Pandya was the pick of the bowlers for the Men in Blue as he not only took wickets but also kept the batters in check in his quota of 4 overs.

Hardik Pandya accounted for three dismissals, giving away 27 runs at an economy of 6.80. Notably, he also bowled a maiden over in his spell, which was the highlight of his spell. After Ireland's innings, Hardik Pandya expressed his delight to play for the nation with pride.

"Always special to play for the country, always good to play for pride. I have been able to contribute in the World Cups, god has been kind. That was an outstanding effort by Axar, those are the catches when you let your hand-eye co-ordination let in," Hardik Pandya told the official broadcaster, Star Sports.

The all-rounder was able to pitch in with disciplinary bowling variations and rightly so, he was able to reap the rewards. "I really liked the first wicket, don't hit the stumps often as I usually bowl short of a length. I needed to be fuller than back of a length today. On this kind of surface you need to be disciplined and hit the right areas. It's always fantastic to see the crowd, we Indians are everywhere, we rule the world, good to have their support," the all-rounder added.