T20 World Cup 2021: Hardik Pandya cleared fit for New Zealand match

The Indian cricket team has been given a big sigh of relief as Virat Kohli's army is set to have services of the Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya for their next T20 World Cup 2021 match against New Zealand.

Hardik Pandya had suffered a blow on his right shoulder while batting in the opening match for India against Pakistan. He was taken for scan immediately and did not take the field for the second inning.

A source close to the development has told ANI that the Indian all-rounder has been given clean bill for the New Zealand match in the T20 World Cup 2021. The source stated that it was just a precautionary scan and there is no further issue and Hardik Pandya himself is feeling good.

Hardik Pandya is fit for the New Zealand match in T20 World Cup 2021. (Source - ANI)

— Pankaj Rawat 🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@Mahipankaj07) October 26, 2021

India vs Pakistan: T20 World Cup 2021

India suffered their first ever defeat to their arch-rival Pakistan in any World Cup event after Pakistan clinched a tremendous 10 wickets victory over their neighbours, for the first time.

Having won the toss, Pakistan opted to go with the ball. They struck early as India were down to 2 wickets for 6 runs in 2.1 overs. Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav then started to build the inning, but soon after, Suryakumar was also dismissed. 

Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant played the most crucial knock for Team India as they helped the Blues to reach 151 runs in 20 overs, Kohli scored 57 runs while Pant contributed with all important 39 runs.

Shaheen Afridi got 3 wickets and Hasan Ali got 2 wickets. 1 apiece for Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan.

With the bat, Pakistan were too good as they completed the chase without losing any wicket and in 18 overs.

India vs New Zealand: T20 World Cup 2021

India will now face off New Zealand next in the World Cup on the 31st October. New Zealand are scheduled to play their first match of the T20 World Cup 2021 tonight, on the 26th October, against Pakistan.

The match against New Zealand will be a very crucial one for India indeed as they really need to come out victorious or else, the T20 World Cup 2021 could turn out very difficult for Kohli brigade.