New Delhi: Hardik Pandya played a stunning knock of 63 off just 25 deliveries in Ahmedabad against South Africa, guiding India to a 30-run win in the final T20I of the five-match series.
His innings proved crucial in sealing the series 3–1. The knock featured the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, which he smashed in just 16 balls, second only to Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball half-century at the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007.
Hardik Pandya reflected on his milestone after the match
During the post-match presentation, Player of the Match Hardik spoke about the milestone and said, “No, I actually didn’t know (he has the second fastest fifty for India) until I got out and went back. Our social media guys told me I was the second-fastest. My first reaction was, ‘Ah, I missed the top spot!’ But happy that Yuvi pa holds that record.”
Hardik along with Tilak Varma, stitched a 105 runs partnership off just 44 balls to help India reach a massive total of 231. His outstanding knock included five fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 252.
Hardik Pandya said he was prepared beforehand to play a fearless knock
“Today I just felt it. I actually told my partner beforehand that I was going to step out first ball and try to hit it for six. I was confident it would come off. The situation suited my style; I backed myself and it worked. I took a calculated risk and thankfully it went my way. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge. No matter how many setbacks you face, the aim is to come back stronger, better, and make a bigger impact. When it all comes together, it feels satisfying. But the journey continues – the preparation, the planning, the hard work never stops,” he added.
