NEW DELHI: Indian all-rounder
Hardik Pandya
etched his name in the history books during India's Super Eights clash against Bangladesh in the ICC
T20 World Cup
. Pandya became the first Indian cricketer to achieve the rare double of 300+ runs and 20+ wickets in the tournament's history.
Pandya's achievement underscores his value as a genuine all-rounder, capable of influencing the game with both bat and ball.
His performance against Bangladesh was a testament to his all-round prowess. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Pandya played a blistering knock of 50 runs off just 27 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 185.19. His innings propelled India to a formidable total of 196/5.
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Not content with his batting exploits, Pandya also made a significant contribution with the ball. He dismissed the dangerous
Litton Das
, who was threatening to take the game away from India. This wicket proved crucial in pegging back Bangladesh's chase.
Pandya's overall T20 World Cup statistics highlight his consistency in the shortest format. In 21 matches, he has amassed 302 runs at an average of 27.45 and a strike rate of 137.89, including two half-centuries. With the ball, he has been equally impressive, claiming 21 wickets at an economy rate of 7.41.
While Pandya is the first Indian to achieve this double, he joins an elite group of all-rounders who have accomplished this feat in T20 World Cup history. This illustrious list includes Pakistan's
Shahid Afridi
, Bangladesh's
Shakib Al Hasan
, West Indies'
Dwayne Bravo
, and Australia's
Shane Watson
.
Pandya's achievement adds another feather to his cap and solidifies his status as one of the most valuable players in the Indian team. His ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball makes him a vital asset in the shortest format, and his performance against Bangladesh served as a timely reminder of his match-winning capabilities.
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