Post by : Maya Rahman

In a remarkable feat for Indian cricket, Hardik Pandya has etched his name in history by surpassing the legendary Yuvraj Singh in T20 internationals. Hardik now holds the Indian record for the most instances of scoring a half-century and claiming a wicket in the same T20I match. This achievement occurred during the fifth T20I against South Africa on Friday, further solidifying his status as one of cricket's most dynamic all-rounders.

Demonstrating his skill and assertiveness, Hardik joined the innings after a strong foundation laid by aggressive batsmen Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Partnering with Tilak Varma, he launched an immediate assault on the South African bowlers, playing audacious shots that included powerful boundaries and soaring sixes, consistently pressuring the opposing team. His innings showcased a brilliant blend of power, finesse, and seasoned judgment.

Hardik crashed through to 63 runs off just 25 balls, impressively hitting five fours and five sixes, boasting a strike rate of 252. Although he conceded 41 runs in three overs of bowling, he made a pivotal breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Dewald Brevis, who managed to score 31 off 17 balls, halting South Africa's advancing momentum when it mattered most.

This match marked Hardik's fourth occasion of scoring a half-century while taking a wicket in a T20I for India, surpassing Yuvraj Singh’s record of three. Virat Kohli has also marked this notable achievement twice during T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan in 2012 and West Indies in 2016. Not to be overlooked, Shivam Dube has done so on two occasions as well.

Hardik’s performance not only signified his return to international cricket but also underscored his impact, finishing as the series' third-highest run-scorer with a total of 142 runs across three innings at an outstanding average of 71 and a strike rate of 186.84. He recorded two half-centuries in matches that India clinched, alongside claiming three wickets during the series, showcasing timely bowling despite a slightly high economy rate.

In the final match, South Africa opted to field after winning the toss. India’s openers set a blistering pace, notching 63 runs in just 5.4 overs. Sanju Samson contributed 37 runs off 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma added 34 from 21 balls. Post the early dismissals of Samson and captain Suryakumar Yadav, stability was restored through an impressive 105-run partnership between Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya, with Tilak scoring 73 runs from 42 balls, propelling India to a formidable total of 231 for 5 in 20 overs.

Chasing a daunting target of 232, South Africa began positively with a 69-run opening partnership, led by Quinton de Kock with a commendable 65 from 35 balls, building on his strong form against India. However, the tide turned once Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Reeza Hendricks, allowing India to regain control. Following Brevis’ wicket, South Africa struggled to maintain their earlier strength, ultimately closing their innings at 201 for 8, falling short by 30 runs.

The victory was built on an effective bowling strategy, with Varun Chakravarthy excelling by taking four wickets, completing the series with a remarkable tally of 10 wickets. Jasprit Bumrah was equally effective, snagging two wickets while maintaining an economical bowling display, with Arshdeep Singh contributing with a crucial breakthrough.

For his outstanding all-round performance, Hardik Pandya was honored as the Player of the Match, while Varun Chakravarthy took home the Player of the Series award for his consistent contributions throughout. India concluded the series on a high note with a 3-1 victory, enhancing their confidence going into future T20 competitions.

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