IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya creates history with unique milestone during 3rd T20I

In a sport increasingly dominated by specialists, the all-rounder remains a coveted jewel. And in the exciting arena of T20 International cricket, Hardik Pandya has just elevated itself to an even more exclusive level. During the 3rd T20I against South Africathe dynamic Indian star not only contributed; he rewrote history and became the first male all-rounder to achieve a unique record in world cricket.

Hardik Pandya achieves unique record in T20Is

Hardik achieved a remarkable double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is. The scene took place during the crucial third match of the series, when Hardik, with his trademark blend of aggression and skill, claimed the wicket of South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs. That dismissal wasn’t just an entry on the scorecard; it was his 100th T20I wicket, completing an extraordinary statistical double. Having already crossed the 1,000-run mark in T20Is earlier in his career, this wicket cemented his place as India’s premier all-rounder across all formats.

First pace bowling all-rounder to achieve this feat

While being the first Indian to achieve this milestone is significant, Hardik’s achievement on the international stage carries even more weight. In the history of men’s T20Is, only a handful of cricketers have doubled 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. What makes Hardik’s record particularly unique is his primary role as a bowling all-rounder.

The other celebrities who feature on this elite list – Shakib Al-Hasan (Bangladesh), Mohammed Nabi (Afghanistan), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), and Virandeep Singh (Malaysia) – are all spin bowling all-rounders. This makes Hardik the first-ever pace bowling all-rounder in the history of Men’s T20I to achieve this rare statistical feat. It is a testament to his ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball, at high speed and under immense pressure.

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India’s hundred-wicket club in T20Is

Besides his all-rounder double, Pandya also joined an exclusive Indian club by reaching 100 T20I wickets. He is now the third Indian bowler in men’s T20Is to achieve this milestone after the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and the consistent jasprit bumrah. This further underlines his important contribution with the ball in countless matches.

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