Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya etched his name in the record books once again, surpassing the legendary Virat Kohli to become the player with the most T20I matches finishing with a six. This remarkable feat was achieved during India’s first T20I match against Bangladesh in Gwalior.
Hardik Pandya makes T20 history, here’s how…
Pandya’s all-round brilliance was on full display throughout the match. With the ball, he claimed a wicket for 26 runs in his four overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.50. Batting second, India chased down the target of 128 runs with ease, thanks in large part to Pandya’s blistering 39* runs off just 16 balls, including five fours and two sixes. His strike rate of 243.75 showcased his exceptional finishing abilities.
One of the highlights of Pandya’s innings was a stunning no-look ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head. The shot, executed with signature confidence and swagger, demonstrated his power and timing.
Hardik Panya leaves Virat Kohli behind!
With his fifth T20I match finished with a six, Pandya surpassed Kohli’s previous record of four. Additionally, he also surpassed Arshdeep Singh to become India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket, with 87 wickets.
Here’s what happened in the match:
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had been bundled out for 127 runs in 19.5 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributing significant runs. India’s bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh (3/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (3/31), proved too much for the visitors.
In the chase, India’s Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav laid a solid foundation before Pandya took centre stage and sealed the victory with a 52-run partnership with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack failed to make a significant impact in the second innings, with only Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy managing to take wickets.
Arshdeep Singh was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding bowling performance. India now holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
