IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Record! Hardik Pandya scripts history, becomes first Indian to ...

Hardik Pandya etched his name in the record books during the recent India vs. South Africa T20I series, becoming the first Indian cricketer to achieve the remarkable feat of 100 wickets and 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals.

Pandya reached his 100th T20I wicket during Sunday's third T20I match against South Africa in Dharamsala. This accomplishment places him in an elite category of global cricketers known for their all-round capabilities.

Pandya had returned to the Indian side for the opening T20I in Cuttack, following a period of absence since September 26, 2025. He celebrated his return with a blistering, unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls, which included six fours and four sixes. During that same match, he also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket for 16 runs in two overs. His performance helped India secure a convincing 101-run victory, earning him the Player of the Match award.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. India faced a setback in the subsequent game, with South Africa winning and leveling the series 1-1. In the third T20I, India displayed early dominance, suggesting their intention to regain the lead in the five-match series. Pandya joins Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah as only the third Indian bowler to reach the 100-wicket milestone in T20Is.