IND vs SA: List of major milestones Hardik Pandya achieved after his 59* in first T20I against South Africa

Hardik Pandya won the Player of the Match in India’s 101-run win over South Africa in Cuttack T20I.

There was nothing more spectacular or thrilling than Hardik Pandya‘s return to international cricket. He returned to the game in the first T20I between India and South Africa in Cuttack after missing over two months due to a quad injury, and he instantly proved to everyone why he is one of India’s most valuable players.  

Notably, when he came out to bat, India was under duress. But Hardik’s brilliant knock of 59 runs from just 28 balls dramatically turned the tide. Hardik looked to have no issue at all, scoring at a strike rate of over 210, while other Indian batters struggled on an unpredictable surface.

India reached a solid total of 175/6 thanks to his undefeated performance, which the bowlers thereafter easily defended.

List of major milestones Hardik Pandya achieved after his 59* in first T20I against South Africa

The Baroda batsman joined the privileged group of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav as the fourth Indian to hit 100 sixes in Twenty20 international cricket.

Most 6s for India in T20Is:

205 – Rohit Sharma

155 – Suryakumar Yadav

124 – Virat Kohli

100* – Hardik Pandya

The list of Indian players who hit 100 sixes in the fewest innings also included Hardik Pandya. Hardik hit four huge sixes during the game, giving India complete control of the innings.

Fastest 100 Sixes for India in T20Is (By Innings):

1. 49 – Suryakumar Yadav

2. 84 – Rohit Sharma

3. 95* – Hardik Pandya

His fifty, which he achieved in just twenty-five balls, was another highlight. This is the same as his fastest T20I fifty, which he initially scored in 2022 against Australia.

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

1. 25 vs. Australia, Mohali, 2022

2. 25 vs. South Africa, Cuttack, 2025

3. 27 vs. England, Pune, 2025

4. 27 vs Bangladesh, North Sound, 2024

South Africa collapsed from the very beginning and was bowled out for 74 runs, their lowest score ever in T20 internationals.  India won by a staggering 101 runs as a result, their largest victory over South Africa in this format. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah completed 100 wickets in Twenty20 Internationals as he claimed two wickets.

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