Hardik Pandya Shines in India’s 101-Run Victory Over South Africa

India’s star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, delivered an outstanding performance in the first T20 International against South Africa, leading his team to a commanding victory by 101 runs at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on March 10, 2024. Pandya’s explosive innings of an unbeaten 59 runs off just 28 balls was critical in setting a target of 175 runs for the visitors, who were subsequently bowled out for just 74 runs.

Pandya’s impressive batting record at the No. 6 position or lower in T20Is has garnered attention, as he now holds the record for the most half-centuries in this batting order for India. According to ESPNcricinfo, he has secured three half-centuries while batting at No. 6 or lower, contributing to his total of six T20I half-centuries, all of which have come while batting at No. 5 or lower.

The list of Indian players with multiple half-centuries at this position is short, featuring Rinku Singh with three half-centuries, alongside Manish Pandey and Yuvraj Singh, who have two and one, respectively. Other notable players who have achieved this feat at No. 6 or lower include MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, each with one half-century to their name.

As of now, Pandya has accumulated 764 runs from 43 innings while batting at No. 6 or lower, boasting an average of 24.64 and a strike rate of 127.33. His tally is notably higher than that of Dhoni, who has 756 runs in this category. Furthermore, Pandya’s ability to clear the boundary has seen him hit 41 sixes, the highest for an Indian batting in this position in T20Is.

Looking ahead, Pandya is on track to become only the fifth Indian cricketer to reach the milestone of 2,000 T20I runs. Currently, he has amassed 1,919 runs in 121 matches, with an average of 28.22 and an impressive strike rate of 142.46. His performances are not only pivotal for his own career but also play a significant role in India’s T20I success.

The victory against South Africa marks an important step for India as they continue their campaign, with fans eagerly anticipating Pandya’s contributions in future matches.