Prominent Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya surpassed the great batsman Virat Kohli to accomplish the remarkable record of concluding the majority of Twenty20 International matches with a six. In the opening Twenty20 International match at Gwalior against Bangladesh, Hardik achieved this accomplishment. Hardik performed admirably all throughout during the game. Initially, he bowled and claimed a wicket for 26 runs in four overs at a 6.50 economy rate. Later, in a 128-run chase, Hardik struck a blistering 39* off of 16 balls, including five fours and two sixes, to provide the ideal closing touches. His runs were scored at a 243.75 strike percentage.
Throughout his strike, Pandya produced several exquisite blows. A no-look ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head was also a part of this. While playing the shot, the all-round player exuded his trademark swagger and confidence, having enough faith in his bat and power to know that the ball will eventually reach a boundary.
Hardik has now surpassed Virat’s previous record of four times to complete a Twenty20 International match for India with a six a total of five times.
Additionally, Pandya (87 wickets) became India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in the shortest format with his one wicket, surpassing bowler Arshdeep Singh (86 wickets). With 96 wickets, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is India’s top wicket-taker.
Prior to the game, India chose to bowl first after winning the toss. The visitors’ biggest scorers were Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35* runs from 32 balls, 3 fours) and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (27 runs from 25 balls, 1 four, and 1 six), who brought a glimmer of hope to an otherwise dismal performance. In 19.5 overs, Bangladesh was bowled out for 127 runs.
Arshdeep (3/14) was India’s preferred bowler. When Varun Chakravarthy rejoined the team after 2021, he took three wickets for 31 runs. Washington Sundar, Hardik, and pace sensation Mayank Yadav each took home a scalp.
A misunderstanding led to Abhishek Sharma (16 in seven balls) being run out during the 128-run chase. But captain Suryakumar Yadav (29 in 14 balls, two fours, three sixes) and batsman Sanju Samson (29 in 19 balls, six fours) cobbled together a 40-wicket stand for the second wicket.
Then, Hardik secured the victory for India by establishing a 52-run partnership with rookie Nitish Kumar Reddy (16* in 15 balls, including a six).
Bangladesh could only take two wickets in the second inning after failing to rise with the ball. Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy were the sole wicket-takers for the visitors.
After taking a crucial wicket of Litton Das during his impressive session, Arshdeep was declared the “Player of the Match.” India leads the three-match series 1-0.
