Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya achieved a major milestone in men’s T20 International cricket. He became part of an elite group of players with 100 wickets and 1,000 runs in the format. Pandya reached the landmark during the third T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala.
He came into the match with 99 T20I wickets and 1,939 runs. His dismissal of Tristan Stubbs turned into a special moment. That wicket took him to 100 T20I wickets. It once again highlighted his importance as a genuine all-rounder for India.
With this feat, Pandya also became only the third Indian men’s bowler to reach 100 wickets in T20Is. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are the other two Indians on the list. Pandya’s comeback has been impressive, especially after returning from an injury he suffered during the Asia Cup earlier this year.
Hardik Pandya shines after strong comeback
Hardik Pandya made an immediate impact after his return. In the first T20I against South Africa, he played a brilliant knock of 59 runs off just 28 balls. He also picked up one wicket and conceded only 16 runs. India won that match comfortably.
In the second T20I at Mullanpur, India lost the game. Pandya still contributed with the bat. He scored 20 runs but could not prevent the defeat.
The double of 100 wickets and 1,000 runs is rare in men’s T20 Internationals. Shakib Al Hasan was the first player to achieve it. Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi followed him. In November 2025, Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe and Virandeep Singh of Malaysia also entered this exclusive club.
Looking at all T20 Internationals, including women’s cricket, Australia great Ellyse Perry was the first to reach the milestone. Pakistan’s Nida Dar later achieved it as well. Among Indian women, Deepti Sharma was the first to complete the double.
Pandya’s achievement places him among cricket’s finest all-rounders. It also adds another proud chapter to his international career.
