IND vs ENG : Hardik Pandya Scripts History, Becomes First Indian Cricketer To Achieve Huge T20I World Record

Add as a preferred source on Google

IND vs ENG : Hardik Pandya silenced his critics in emphatic fashion during the Pune T20I on Friday, delivering a match-defining performance with the bat.

After facing backlash for a lackluster display in the 3rd T20I, the dynamic all-rounder responded with an explosive innings, showcasing his prowess under pressure.

Pandya hammered 53 runs off just 30 balls, lacing his innings with four boundaries and four towering sixes. This knock not only marked his fifth T20I half-century but also propelled him to an extraordinary milestone in Indian cricket.

With this innings, Pandya became the first Indian cricketer to achieve the rare combination of scoring over 1500 runs, claiming more than 50 wickets, and registering five T20I fifties.

His T20I career now boasts 1803 runs alongside 94 wickets, reflecting his significant contributions in both departments. Globally, Pandya joins an elite list of players to accomplish this feat, following the footsteps of Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Nabi, and Sikandar Raza-the only others to reach this landmark in T20I history.

The Pune clash was a rollercoaster for the Men in Blue. Batting first, India stumbled early, losing three quick wickets in the second over. However, Rinku Singh steadied the innings with a gritty 32-run effort. The turning point came with a stellar 87-run partnership between Pandya and Shivam Dube, who also smashed 52 runs. Their counterattacking stand lifted India to a competitive total of 181/9.

In reply, the visitors did get a decent start from openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett before Harry Brook's half-century put them in serious position to win. But inspired bowling from Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy made sure that England do not reach the target. Rana and Bishnoi took three each, while Varun scalped a brace. The Three Lions finally finished on 166 runs, which helped the Men in Blue clinch the series 3-1, with a game to go.