Hardik Pandya scored a strokeful 95-ball 93-run innings to emerge as the highest scorer for the visitors. He added 99 runs along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (25) for the eighth wicket to keep India afloat in the match.
The effort saw India post 209 in reply to South Africa’s 286 after struggling at 92/7 at one stage on the second day of the first Test in Cape Town.
The counterattacking knock left Twitter awe-struck:
Praiseworthy knock
We celebrate centuries & rue the ones missed. But this Hardik Pandya 93 is more valuable and brilliant than many 100s. Its impact should be felt through the series. #IndvsSA
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) January 6, 2018
We are seeing one of the great Indian test innings of our times from @hardikpandya7 . Don't miss it. Truly an innings to remember! #IndvsSA
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 6, 2018
The thing about Hardik Pandya’s innings was that he played the unorthodox shots out of choice & not out of insecurity. Absolutely brilliant innings!👏👏👏#SAvIND#HardikPandya
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 6, 2018
Hardik Pandya didnt just attack. This was a sensible, cleverly played innings. Has risen many notches as a player.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 6, 2018
One's stature as a player increases when one scores overseas and against an attack comprising Steyn, Rabada, Morkel & Philander when everyone else has struggled, Hardik Pandya shows how it is done. Privilege to watch that 93.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 6, 2018
Tragic that @hardikpandya7 couldn't reach century. But this knock of breathtaking bravado and brilliance will be long remembered
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 6, 2018
93 was as good as any test hundred you will see in recent times. @hardikpandya7 belongs here. What an effort from the young man. Full Marks to Bhuvi for hanging in there as well #SAvsIND
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) January 6, 2018
Hardik Pandya is walking back 2 feet taller. Well done man. May this series seal your Test spot forever.
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) January 6, 2018
THE CORNERED TIGER: At 92-7, with his back against the wall & Rabada, Steyn, Morkel, Philander breathing fire on a seaming Cape Town Wicket, Hardik Pandya was a cornered tiger. This run a ball 93, battling fire with fire, will be remembered for a long, long time. Special player
— Srini Mama 💲 (@SriniMama16) January 6, 2018
Looking ahead
Looking forward to watching Hardik Pandya in England this summer: him v Stokes (all things being well) should be quite a contest.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) January 6, 2018
The crazy numbers
Hardik Pandya's Test Career as a Batsman (so far)
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) January 6, 2018
50 off 49 v Sri Lanka, Galle 2017
20 off 20 v Sri Lanka, Colombo 2017
108 off 96 v Sri Lanka, Colombo 2017
93 off 95 v South Africa, Capetown, 2018
271 Runs with an average of 67.75 & Strike Rate of 104.22 pic.twitter.com/UtyxT8DnRp
123 runs were added to India's total during Hardik Pandya's stay at the wicket and Pandya scored 93 of them (nearly 76%).#SAvIND #INDvSA
— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) January 6, 2018
2013 in South Africa:
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) January 6, 2018
Ajinkya Rahane deserved century but got out for 96...
2018 in South Africa:
Hardik Pandya deserved century but got out for 93...
Highest individual scores batting at No.7 or lower for India in Tests in South Africa:
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) January 6, 2018
129 - Kapil Dev at Port Elizabeth in 1992
115 - Mohammed Azhaurddin at Cape Town in 1997
93 - Hardik Pandya at Cape Town in 2018*#INDvSA
Indian innings:
— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) January 6, 2018
Hardik Pandya: 93 off 95 balls (SR 97.89), 14 fours, 1 six
All others: 102 off 347 balls (SR 29.39), 16 fours#SAvIND #INDvSA
The memes
What a knock. What spirit. What attitude 🙌 Well played @hardikpandya7 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/hT7bNQGt5U
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) January 6, 2018
Well played, Pandya. Carried Indian innings on his shoulders. #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/CKcenSqWcz
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) January 6, 2018
#HardikPandya after entering dressing room pic.twitter.com/u5Hxf14Gys
— DDD 🤸♀️⛹️♀️ (@iSunitha) January 6, 2018
Hardik Pandya against SA bowlers today: #SAvIND #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/EAyK0VnMcv
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) January 6, 2018
Ravi Shastri welcoming Hardik Pandya into the dressing room 👏🏻#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/2dOsyTMccN
— That LOL Buddhu (@lolbuddhu) January 6, 2018
Hardik Pandya facing South African fast bowlers. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/MiG22vFF3y
— Sunil- The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) January 6, 2018
Marriage potshot with a twist
Hardik Pandya is performing because he is a Bachelor. #INDvSA
— InGenious (@Bees_Kut) January 6, 2018