Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has surpassed Virat Kohli’s record for finishing the most number of T20I matches with a six. Pandya achieved this milestone during India’s dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I at Gwalior, marking the fifth time he has sealed a game with a six, moving past Kohli’s record of four.
Pandya’s all-round brilliance was on full display as he made a significant impact with both bat and ball. He took one wicket in the first innings, dismissing Shoriful Islam, while conceding 26 runs in his spell. Later, he played a quick-fire knock of 39 runs off just 16 balls, striking at a rate of 243.75, with five boundaries and two sixes.
India Beats Bangladesh first T-20 in Gwalior
India opted to bowl first after winning the toss and put up an exceptional bowling performance to bundle out Bangladesh for 127 runs in 19.5 overs. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy were the standout bowlers, each picking up three wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 35 off 32 balls.
Chasing a modest target of 128, the Indian batters showcased their aggressive intent. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma started with a flurry of boundaries, but Sharma was soon dismissed. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav continued the assault with a rapid 29 off 14 balls, hitting two boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 207.14. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed a steady 16 runs, while Pandya’s explosive batting sealed the win with a six.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Suryakumar Yadav praised the squad’s positive mindset, saying, “We just tried to back our skills… Every game teaches you something new, and we’ll focus on areas to improve.”
India and Bangladesh are set to meet again in the second T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 9.
