Hardik Pandya is the first Indian men’s cricketer to achieve a large T20I double. Pandya became the first Indian men’s cricketer to complete 50 wickets and 500 T20I runs.
Hardik Pandya became the first Indian men’s cricketer to take 50 wickets and score 500 runs in T20Is. On Tuesday, Hardik achieved this feat during the third T20I against the West Indies at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts. He dismissed Brandon King after a fifty-run opening stand with Kyle Mayers to become India’s sixth man to take 50 T20I wickets. Earlier in the second T20I, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja reached 50 T20I wickets.
Hardik became the 11th men’s and 30th overall player in history to accomplish this feat.
Deepti Sharma is the only other Indian to have achieved this rare feat in T20Is, with 65 T20I wickets and 521 runs.
With one over to spare and seven wickets in hand, Team India chased down the target of 165. Suryakumar Yadav was the star for India, scoring 76 runs to lead the visitors to victory and give them a 2-1 lead in the ongoing T20I series.
“Obviously, I’ve enjoyed bowling whenever I’ve had the opportunity. I’ve mentioned it several times before that this was the reason I felt I needed to take some time off so that my bowling could come in because I’ve realized that when I bowl, it gives the side a lot of balance and confidence to the captain. Yes, I used to bowl, and I used to be a filler when someone wasn’t bowling. I am pleased to announce that I can now bowl four overs as the third or fourth seamer. Can contribute just as equally with the bat “Hardik said at a post-match press conference.
“I am grateful because I have always believed that hard work is the key to your recovery. You always overcome adversity and receive what you deserve if you put in the effort. This World Cup will be different from the last one. I’ve always kept a sense of balance in my life; if I do well, I smile, and the same reaction occurs even if I don’t “He continued.
Both teams will now face off in the fourth Twenty20 International on August 6 at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida.
Also Read: Full Asia Cup 2022 Schedule, Dates, Timings, and Venues
