India all-rounder Hardik Pandya produced a standout performance in the first T20I against South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls, which included six fours and four sixes. This explosive innings played a crucial role in leading India to a 101-run victory in the series opener. During this match, Pandya also reached a personal milestone, hitting his 100th six in T20 internationals (T20Is), becoming only the fourth Indian player to achieve this feat.
As he approaches another significant milestone, Pandya stands just one wicket away from claiming 100 wickets in T20Is. Should he accomplish this, he will join an elite group of players comprising Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi, and Malaysia’s Virandeep Singh, all of whom have recorded both 100 sixes and 100 wickets in the format.
To date, Pandya has taken 99 wickets in 109 innings, maintaining an average of 26.47 and a strike rate of 19.3, including three four-wicket hauls.
Players with 100 Sixes and 100 Wickets in T20Is:
- Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
- Virandeep Singh (Malaysia)
India aims to extend their lead to 2-0 in the five-match series during the second T20I against South Africa. This match, taking place at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, marks India’s first international contest at the venue; however, many players are familiar with it from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both teams are expected to retain their winning combinations as they navigate the series.
Squads:
South Africa Squad: Quinton de Kock (w), Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Reeza Hendricks, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Tony de Zorzi, Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka.
India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (w), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav.
