Hardik Pandya shatters Virat Kohli's staggering India record in blitzkrieg knock in 1st Bangladesh T20I

Hardik Pandya provided a thrilling end to what was a largely routine win for India over bangladesh in the first T20, at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Stadium in Gwalior. Pandya hit Taskin Ahmed for 4, 4, and 6 off three consecutive deliveries to seal the win — and in finishing off the match with a maximum, set a new T20 record for India as well. Hardik Pandya batted with supreme confidence against Bangladesh in the first T20I.(PTI)

Pandya has now wrapped up an Indian chase with a six for a remarkable fifth time in his career, and with this has overtaken Virat Kohli, who finished his career having done so on four occasions in T20I matches.

Some of Pandya’s iconic last-ball sixes include one against Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup where he kept a cool head in a difficult chase. He had also done so in a memorable T20 in Sydney against Australia in 2020, hitting two sixes in the last over to become the hero for his team on that day.

Pandya sits alone at the top with 5, with Kohli behind him on 4, and MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant tied on 3 each. Pant is the closest active Indian T20 player to Pandya, but has been rested from this series with an eye on the upcoming Tests against New Zealand.

Pandya finished his innings on Sunday with a blitz of 39 off just 16 deliveries. His innings helped India chase down the target in less than 12 overs, wrapping up a very comfortable win. He hit a backfoot six over extra-cover and played a nonchalant no-look ramp-shot over the keeper in an innings where he looked to be back to his confident best.

India register comfortable chase

Earlier in the innings, captain Suryakumar Yadav looked in great form for his 29(16) as well, while Abhishek Sharma swung a few powerful blows before being run out.

India always had the match under control, with early wickets meaning Bangladesh never looked to competitive. Arshdeep Singh won man of the match for his three wicket haul, while Varun Chakravarthy also contributed with three scalps. Pandya also chipped in with a wicket himself. Young firecracker Mayank Yadav lived up to expectations with a fine debut, taking 1-21 in his 4 overs.

Pandya looked to be at his best with the bat and ball alike, which will be good news for India ahead of a crowded winter schedule to close out the year, including the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India and Bangladesh will now travel to Delhi for the second of their three-match series.

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