IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya nears a massive milestone in T20I cricket
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is on the verge of reaching a remarkable milestone as India face South Africa in the second T20I of the five-match series in Mullanpur. Following his outstanding, match-winning performance in the opening game in Cuttack, Pandya now stands just one wicket away from achieving a historic feat - a record no Indian cricketer has ever accomplished in T20I history. His potential milestone has added even more excitement to the upcoming clash, with fans eagerly anticipating another impactful display from the all-rounder.
India began the series in emphatic fashion, registering a 101-run victory in Cuttack despite losing the toss on a pitch made tricky by heavy dew. Batting first under such conditions was expected to be difficult, but Pandya rose to the challenge and played a decisive role in lifting India to a competitive total. His explosive batting, coupled with sharp bowling, showcased his immense value to the team. Pandya’s all-round brilliance not only guided India to a commanding win but also established early dominance in the series, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead and strong momentum heading into the second match.
The second T20I will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, where the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team will aim to build on their early momentum and extend their series lead. All eyes will be on Hardik Pandya, who sits on 99 T20I wickets. With just one more breakthrough, he will become the first Indian cricketer in history to achieve the double of 1000-plus runs and 100 wickets in T20Is. Only four players worldwide - Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza, and Virandeep Singh—have reached this milestone, underlining the significance of Hardik’s achievement. He already boasts 1,919 runs in the format and recently became only the fourth Indian to smash 100 T20I sixes.
In the series opener in Cuttack, Hardik delivered one of his finest all-round performances. He blasted an unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls, featuring six boundaries and four towering sixes. His assault began with two trademark no-look sixes off Keshav Maharaj, before he punished the pacers to help India plunder 30 runs in the final two overs. With the ball, he dismissed David Miller, playing a key role in dismantling South Africa for a mere 74, their lowest-ever T20I total. His dominant display deservedly earned him the Player of the Match award.
