Intense Semi-Final Match: Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya share a light-hearted moment in Champions Trophy victory

New Delhi: Despite tensions within the Indian camp, Hardik Pandya showed incredible resolve and delivered a stellar performance against Australia, leading India to a thrilling semi-final victory in the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday.

Virat Kohli grabbed the spotlight with another stellar knock, scoring 84 off 98 balls, as India successfully chased down Australia’s target with 11 balls to spare, securing a spot in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday.

The chase became nervy towards the end when Kohli was dismissed, leaving India needing 40 more runs. Hardik Pandya then entered the fray and stepped up, blasting 28 off 24 balls, including three sixes and a four, to put India in a commanding position.

Following the match, India’s Axar Patel was spotted chatting with Pandya about his explosive knock, discussing the mood in the dressing room and Pandya’s mindset during that crucial stage of the game.

“Usually when people get out, they react in a way that reflects their sadness. But, you though, you came in beaming with a smile,” Axar said to Pandya, in a video released by the Indian Cricket Team on Instagram.

‘I wasn’t thinking much. I just knew we needed a couple of sixes and I got them for us. So, I was happy,” Hardik replied.

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“You have any idea how all of us inside felt? We were all on edge, seeing you smash it all over the park, taking those quick runs.” Axar laughed.

“But I knew that you would take care of everything. I couldn’t show it to the dressing room in the moment, but when you smacked those two sixes with such swagger and walked back in, we all knew we were good.”

“I knew it may have been mixed emotions, which is why I came in laughing myself to ease the tension,” retorted a joyous Pandya.

Pandya certainly had plenty to smile about, as the powerful all-rounder made sure India had the match under control. KL Rahul then finished off the job, launching a final six to wrap up the victory and secure India’s spot in the final.

“It did get closer than what we would have wanted. Hardik came in and hit those crucial sixes. So, it took a lot of pressure off me. I’m just really happy that we got over the finish line,” KL Rahul chimed.

India is set to take on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final on March 9.