T20 World Cup 2022: Hardik Pandya becomes first Indian to be dismissed hit wicket in tournament history

Jos Buttler’s England cruised into the finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 with panache, defeating India in the second semi-final by 10 wickets in Adelaide. India were put to bat first by the English skipper and posted a total of 168 runs in their 20 overs.

Thanks to fifties from Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, India got to a respectable total on board after being put into bat. Initially, the side had lost two early wickets, but then came in the performances from the two middle-order batters that tilted the momentum towards their end.

Pandya forged an important partnership with Kohli and later hit the accelerator in the last few overs. On the final ball of the Indians innings, Chris Jordan bowled a short ball that the batter flicked for four on the leg side, however, there was a twist in the tale as Pandya was way behind in the crease and ended up hitting his wicket to be dismissed out hit wicket.

The dismissal made him the first Indian to ever get out on a hit wicket in the World Cup. Previously, David Obuya of Kenya (2007) and Nasum Ahmed of Bangladesh (2021) were dismissed the same way, making Pandya third overall to be dismissed in such a manner.

Meanwhile, with a majestic unbeaten 170-run partnership between openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales, England defeated India in a dominating fashion.

"I think the character we have shown since then (England's loss against Ireland) - it has been amazing. We came here very excited, there was a very good feeling. Everyone from 1 to 11 - stood up today. We always want to start fast and aggressive. Rashid was batting at 11, that's incredible to know that we have such depth. Hales used the dimensions well and he has shown his form. He was brilliant today," England skipper Jos Buttler said after his team's win.

"It's important to enjoy this, it was a brilliant performance from us. I think we need to give special credit to Jordan, to bowl 3 overs at the death coming into the semi-final, it was a tough job. He handled the pressure towards the end pretty well, especially bowling against a world class player like Hardik Pandya," he added.

England are now set to play Pakistan in the summit clash on Sunday, November 13 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).