IND vs NZ | Twitter in splits as hard-hitting Hardik makes wincing Williamson dance to his shots

03/02/2025

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Sports and celebrations are a symphony tuned for moments of passion and positive spirit. Although Kane Williamson is not renowned for any celebrations, one of Hardik Pandya’s hard-handed strokes on Sunday made him wince in pain, which resembled more like choreographed dancing steps.

Winning the toss and electing to field first turned out rosy for the New Zealand side at the start of the game as Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson reduced the Asian side to 30/3 inside the powerplay. However, a 98-run fourth-wicket partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel stabilised the stage for India before a quick succession of wickets unleashed Hardik’s brutal power-hitting send Williamson wincing.

After already barring the ball from reaching the boundary ropes, the fifth ball of the 45th over saw Will O’Rourke bowl on a length and offer width outside the stumps. Hardik cut at it with hard hands, and the ball went like a tracer bullet to Williamson fielding at point. Undoubtedly, the former New Zealand captain attempted to barr the white rock with his palm, but the consequence wasn’t mushy. He was hit hard, and the Kiwi batter was seen wincing in pain. He was leaping in frustration and flinching his hands hither and thither, sparking a Twitterverse discourse on the eventful incident.

That's must've hurt!

pic.twitter.com/fnkLfp19IV
— ashik (@ashik1587212) March 2, 2025

Stopped it

Kane Williamson after stopping the ball hit by Hardik Pandya 😂 pic.twitter.com/nQCBSnihwO
— Radha (@Rkc1511165) March 2, 2025

YUP

Williamson is no Phillips when it comes to flying catch/

Hakdik could have breathed easy.
— Jose Puliampatta (Prof. Bala) (@JosePuliampatta) March 2, 2025

Likely