Smart Stats - Why Hardik was better than Russell
The Eden Gardens saw two breathtaking innings but the better one actually ended up on the losing side
The big-hitters speak
Andre Russell on how he hits sixes:Eye and hand coordination. Balance and then good bat speed as well. So I generate a lot power from the shoulders and then the core. So everything goes together. As an allrounder, you have to make sure your body is fit and strong. To play awkward shots in those moments when a bowler tries to outsmart you with a wide slower ball, like what happened to Bumrah, that shot was a surprise to me as well, to hit the ball over covers cleanly.
Hardik Pandya on his 91 off 34: I was just telling Krunal the same thing that, "Damn, I was close to hundred" That was new for me... In this kind of situation, you don't really think much. You just go there, express yourself and keep holding your shape. I knew Pollard is there but I knew I can't take time. The run-rate is high. That was the only thing. I just wanted to keep hitting. And if I get out, then its okay, the situation demanded it. I think I'm just holding my shape pretty well and the confidence level is also helping. As a cricketer, if you have confidence, it makes a huge difference.
Batsman | Smart Runs | Smart SR | Inns run rate at arrival | Batsman's SR | SR of batsmen at other end |
Andre Russell | 113 | 282.50 | 10.10 | 200.00 (80/40) | 204.16 (49/24) |
Hardik Pandya | 136 | 400.00 | 6.96 | 267.64 (91/34) | 129.16 (31/24) |