Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya surpassed legendary batter Virat Kohli to set a new record for finishing the most T20I matches with a six. Hardik achieved this milestone during the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior.
In the match, Hardik showcased his all-round brilliance. With the ball, he claimed one wicket for 26 runs in his four overs, maintaining an economy rate of 6.50.
While chasing a target of 128, Hardik provided the perfect finishing touch, smashing an unbeaten 39 off just 16 balls, which included five fours and two sixes. His blistering knock came at a strike rate of 243.75.
One of the highlights of his innings was a no-look ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head, a stroke that exemplified his confidence and trademark swagger. Trusting his power, Hardik effortlessly sent the ball to the boundary.
By finishing the match with a six for the fifth time, Hardik moved past Virat, who had achieved the feat four times.
Additionally, with his solitary wicket, Hardik (87 wickets) overtook pacer Arshdeep Singh (86 wickets) to become India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
Yuzvendra Chahal remains India’s top wicket-taker in the format with 96 wickets.
As for the match, India opted to bowl after winning the toss. Bangladesh struggled throughout their innings, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (27 off 25, 1 four, 1 six) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35* off 32, 3 fours) offering the only notable contributions. Bangladesh was bowled out for 127 in 19.5 overs.
Arshdeep was India’s standout bowler, taking 3/14. Varun Chakravarthy, making his return to the side after a two-year gap, claimed 3/31. Mayank Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Hardik Pandya each took a wicket as well.
India’s chase started with an unfortunate run-out of Abhishek Sharma (16 off 7). However, Sanju Samson (29 off 19, 6 fours) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 14, 2 fours, 3 sixes) put together a crucial 40-run stand for the second wicket. Hardik then combined with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (16* off 15, 1 six) to secure a comfortable victory with a 52-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack failed to make much impact, with Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan taking a wicket each.
Arshdeep was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his superb spell, which included the key wicket of Litton Das. India now leads the three-match series 1-0.
