Herschelle Gibbs slams Hardik Pandya: India won their second game against Namibia on Thursday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The Men in Blue had a thumping win by 93 runs against the African nation. Hardik Pandya played a key role in India’s big win last night as his all-round show first helped the side to post a good total and then restrict them as well.
Hardik Pandya scored a 28-ball 52 in the game and picked up two wickets from his four-over spell, giving out just 21 runs. India, who were off to a flying start and scored 104 runs in just seven overs, found themselves struggling with a slowish wicket after the Namibia spinners turned it around in the middle overs. From 104/2, India were 124/4 in 12 overs.
Hardik Pandya showcases his power against Namibia
The run rate came down, however, Hardik Pandya showcased his experience and after taking some balls smashed four sixes and as many fours in his blistering innings. He also smashed the longest six of the 2026 T20 World Cup against Bernard Scholtz, which went to 109 meters. Pandya’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match.
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After receiving the Man of the Match award, while speaking at the post-match presentation, the explosive all-rounder suggested that the pitches should be flatter. As India has played on slower wickets, in their first two games in Mumbai and Delhi, where the ball has gripped and turned a bit.
Herschelle Gibbs takes a funny dig at Hardik Pandya
Replying to his flatter wickets demand, former South Africa opener Herschelle Gibbs has shared his insights, taking a funny dig at the star India all-rounder. He said, on X (formerly Twitter), “You see more skill when pitches aren’t flat.” He also used a wink emoji while providing the statement.
Here’s the tweet
You see more skill when pitches aren’t flat😉 https://t.co/ngRFJ3iudy
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) February 13, 2026
Gibbs also, while having a conversation with a fan, when the fan said, “Sir he is very dengerous T20 batter.” He replied, “Dangerous batters don’t complain about pitches mate.” In that comment, another fan said, “Like Herschelle, never complained. He said, “Go back to sleep.”
India to meet South Africa in knockouts?
India and South Africa were the finalists of the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. As the Men in Blue defeated the Proteas in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup by 7 runs in Barbados, winning their second T20 title. The Men in Blue are currently at the top of the table with four points. They will be up against Pakistan in their next game on Sunday.
South Africa, edged out in the double super over game against Afghanistan, will be looking to work on their bowling. They nearly failed to defend a good total of 188 runs. They will be up against New Zealand in their next game, who have been in sensational form after their 10 wickets win against the UAE.
India and South Africa will be facing each other if they both qualify for the Super 8 stages, as they will be drawn in the same group. As it has been predetermined by the ranking of the teams in the shortest format.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya angry at BCCI and pitch curators amid T20 World Cup
