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List of major milestones Hardik Pandya achieved vs South Africa during 1st T20I in Cuttack

Rajgeeta Yadav

Hardik Pandya smashed unbeaten 59 runs [Source: AFP]Hardik Pandya smashed unbeaten 59 runs [Source: AFP]

Hardik Pandya’s comeback to international cricket could not have been more dramatic or exciting. After being away from the game for nearly six months because of a quad injury, he returned in the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack and immediately reminded everyone why he is one of India’s most important players. 

Notably, India were under pressure when he walked out to bat. However, Hardik completely changed the momentum with a blazing knock of 59 runs from just 28 balls. 

While other Indian batsmen struggled on a pitch that behaved unpredictably, Hardik seemed to have no trouble at all, scoring at a strike rate of over 210. His unbeaten innings took India to a strong total of 175/6, which the bowlers later defended with ease.

This performance also brought Hardik several major milestones. 

Most 6s for India in T20Is

  • 205 - Rohit Sharma
  • 155 - Suryakumar Yadav
  • 124 - Virat Kohli
  • 100* - Hardik Pandya

Notably, The Baroda batter became the fourth Indian to hit 100 sixes in T20 internationals, joining the elite company of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. He also entered the list of players who reached 100 sixes in the fewest innings for India. During the match, Hardik smashed four big sixes, helping India gain full control of the innings.

Fastest 100 Sixes for India in T20Is (By Innings)

  • 49 - Suryakumar Yadav
  • 84 - Rohit Sharma
  • 95* - Hardik Pandya

Hardik also entered the list of players who reached 100 sixes in the fewest innings for India. He achieved the mark in 95 innings, placing him third on the list, behind Rohit and Suryakumar. Another highlight was his fifty, which he scored in just 25 balls. This equals his fastest T20I fifty, first achieved against Australia in 2022.

Fastest 50s for Hardik Pandya in T20Is (By Balls)

  • 25 vs Australia, Mohali, 2022
  • 25 vs South Africa, Cuttack, 2025, Tonight*
  • 27 vs England, Pune, 2025
  • 27 vs Bangladesh, North Sound, 2024

Talking about the match, India’s bowlers then delivered an equally dominant performance. South Africa collapsed from the very beginning and were bowled out for 74 runs, their lowest score ever in T20 internationals. 

This gave India a massive 101-run victory, their biggest win over South Africa in this format. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets and also completed 100 wickets in T20Is. Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy each took two wickets as well. Hardik himself contributed with the ball by taking a wicket, while Shivam Dube claimed the final wicket of the match.