Hardik Pandya on Friday (December 19) became the first men’s player in India’s history to score a fifty and take at least a wicket in four T20Is. He went past Yuvraj Singh (3), Virat Kohli (2), and Shivam
Dube (2) in the record list in India’s 30-run win over South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
In the first innings, Pandya produced a stunning display of power-hitting to script the second-fastest half-century by an Indian in T20Is, reaching the landmark in just 16 balls. Only Yuvraj’s iconic 12-ball fifty from the 2007 T20 World Cup remains quicker.
Pandya walked in at 115/3 after India lost Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession and immediately shifted momentum with an aggressive assault, especially on Corbin Bosch. He eventually fell for 63 off 25 balls, striking five fours and five sixes.
Earlier, Samson and Abhishek Sharma added 63 at the top before Tilak Varma, and Pandya stitched a 105-run stand, propelling India to a commanding 231/5.
The second innings was a bit more difficult for Pandya. He was hit for 19 runs in his first over by Dewald Brevis and Quinton de Kock, with the duo smashing three fours and a six.
However, Jasprit Bumrah reduced the pressure on him from the other end by getting de Kock out. Pandya continued his spell and bowled a bumper first up to Brevis who holed it out to deep square leg.
“Winning games is what you play for and it’s always exciting when your contribution helps the team get over the line,” Pandya said after the match. “No, I actually didn’t know (he has the second fastest fifty for India) until I got out and went back. My first reaction was, ‘Ah, I missed the top spot!’ But happy that Yuvi pa holds that record. Today I just felt it. I actually told my partner beforehand that I was going to step out first ball and try to hit it for six. I was confident it would come off. The situation suited my style; I backed myself and it worked. I took a calculated risk and thankfully it went my way. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge. No matter how many setbacks you face, the aim is to come back stronger, better, and make a bigger impact. When it all comes together, it feels satisfying. But the journey continues – the preparation, the planning, the hard work never stops.”
