Hardik Pandya surpasses Virat Kohli in unique T20I record; leads India to win against Bangladesh
PTC Web Desk: Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya achieved a unique milestone by surpassing Virat Kohli to become the player with the most instances of finishing T20I matches with a six for India. Pandya reached this feat during the first T20I against Bangladesh at Gwalior. His all-round performance included taking 1 wicket for 26 runs in four overs with an economy rate of 6.50, and later, contributing a quickfire 39* off 16 balls in a successful run-chase.
During the chase of 128 runs, Pandya's unbeaten 39 came at a remarkable strike rate of 243.75, featuring five fours and two sixes. Among his impressive strokes was a no-look ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head, displaying his confidence and power. This six marked the fifth time Hardik finished a T20I for India with a six, edging past Virat Kohli’s previous record of four.
With his wicket during the game, Pandya also moved up in India's T20I bowling ranks, surpassing Arshdeep Singh to become the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 87 scalps. Yuzvendra Chahal remains India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 96 wickets.
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India won the toss and chose to field first. Bangladesh managed a total of 127 runs in 19.5 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27 off 25 balls) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35* off 32 balls) as their top scorers. Arshdeep Singh (3/14) led India's bowling attack, alongside Varun Chakravarthy, who picked up three wickets for 31 runs in his return to the T20I side after 2021. Washington Sundar, Mayank Yadav, and Hardik Pandya took a wicket each.
India's chase began with a setback as Abhishek Sharma (16 off 7 balls) was run out. Sanju Samson (29 off 19 balls) and Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 14 balls) steadied the innings with a 40-run partnership. Hardik Pandya then anchored the final phase of the chase, forming a 52-run partnership with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (16* off 15 balls).
Bangladesh struggled to make an impact with the ball, with only Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan managing to pick up a wicket each. India comfortably sealed the win, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Arshdeep Singh was named 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding bowling performance, which included the crucial wicket of Litton Das.
- With inputs from agencies
