Hardik Pandya Achieves Milestone in T20I Cricket Against South Africa

In a thrilling match against South Africa, Hardik Pandya made history by becoming the fifth Indian to score 2000 runs in T20I cricket. He also recorded the second-fastest fifty for India in T20Is, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls. The match saw India finish with a strong total of 231 runs, with notable performances from Tilak Varma and Pandya. Read on for a detailed recap of the match and Pandya's achievements.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 21:41 IST

Pandya's Historic Achievement

In a remarkable display of skill, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya became the fifth Indian player to reach 2000 runs in T20 International cricket during the final T20I match against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday. He joins an elite group of Indian batsmen, which includes Rohit Sharma (4231 runs), Virat Kohli (4188 runs), Suryakumar Yadav (2788 runs), and KL Rahul (2265 runs).

Record-Breaking Performance

Pandya also achieved the distinction of scoring the second-fastest fifty for India in T20I history. He reached a half-century in just 16 balls, contributing to his total of 63 runs off 25 balls, which included five fours and six sixes. The record for the fastest fifty in T20Is for India is held by Yuvraj Singh, who scored a 12-ball fifty against England during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007.

Match Summary

After winning the toss, South Africa opted to field first. The Indian innings began with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as openers, who provided a strong start before Sharma was dismissed for 34 runs off 21 balls, leaving India at 54 runs in 34 balls.

Tilak Varma then joined Samson, and India concluded the power-play at 67-1.

In the ninth over, Samson was bowled out by George Linde for 37 runs off 22 balls, bringing Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to the crease. By the end of the tenth over, India had surpassed the 100-run mark with Varma and Yadav still batting.

Yadav's struggles continued as he was dismissed for just five runs by Corbin Bosch in the 13th over.

Pandya entered the game following Yadav's exit and quickly scored 32 runs off his first eight balls.

In the 15th over, Varma hit a four off Lungi Ngidi to secure his sixth T20I fifty, shortly followed by Pandya's explosive half-century, achieved in just 16 balls.

Final Score

India finished their innings at 231/5, with Tilak Varma scoring 73 runs and Hardik Pandya contributing 63 runs. Corbin Bosch was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 2 wickets for 44 runs.