Watch: Relieved Hardik Pandya thanks Shikhar Dhawan for Ben Stokes catch after dropping sitter in 3rd ODI

India vs England, 3rd ODI: Hardik Pandya, who had dropped an easy catch when Ben Stokes was batting on 15, was relieved after the England all-rounder was dismissed by T Natarajan in the 11th over of England's 330-run chase in Pune on Friday.

March 28, 2021 by India Today Web Desk

HIGHLIGHTS

Hardik Pandya dropped a sitter, handed Ben Stokes a reprieve on 15

Stokes was caught at deep mid-wicket by Shikhar Dhawan for 35

Hardik had hit a quickfire 64 that helped India post 329 in the ODI series decider

Hardik Pandya was a relieved man when he saw Ben Stokes getting dismissed for 35 in England's chase of 330 in the 3rd ODI against India in Pune on Sunday. An animated Pandya bowed to Shikhar Dhawan and thanked the almighty after the India opener took the catch to send Stokes back to the hut.

Hardik's animated reaction came after he dropped Ben Stokes on 15 in the 5th over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. An easy opportunity went down as Hardik dropped a sitter after Stokes tried to clear the 30-yard circle with a chip over mid-off. Hardik positioned himself well after the ball lopped up in the air but Stokes was handed a reprieve.

India vs England, 3rd ODI: Live Updates

It was a big moment in the match as Ben Stokes has been in fine hitting form. The reactions from captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma and the Indian dug-out told the story as Stokes was handed an extra life.

However, Stokes was not able to make the most of the opportunity. The all-rounder, who has been batting at No. 3 in ODIs, fell for 35 in the 11th over hitting a full-toss from T Natarajan straight into the hands of Shikhar Dhawan, who was fielding at deep mid-wicket.

Watch: Hardik Pandya reacts to Shikhar Dhawan's Ben Stokes catch

Earlier in the day, India posted 329 on the board in 48.2 overs. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma gave India a perfect start with a 103-run opening stand but England spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali put the brakes on the scoring rate by removing the openers and captain Virat Kohli.

KL Rahul failed to trouble the scorers but Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant came up with a counter-attacking 99-run stand. Shardul Thakur hit a quickfire 30 but India lost wickets at regular intervals, losing their last 6 for just 74 runs.