Landmark achievement in Dharamsala All-rounder Hardik Pandya stepped into the record books in the 3rd Twenty20 International against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday the 14th of December, 2025. Pandya took his 100th wicket during T20 internationals and became the first Indian all-rounder who fast-bowled to reach the double-digit feat of 100 wickets and more than 1,000 runs in the men’s T20Is. The milestone was reached in the third game of the five-game series, when Pandya smashed South Africa batter Tristan Stubbs.
“The Moment” of the 100th Wicket
Pandya opened the game with 99 wickets in the T20I format and the most memorable delivery occurring on the last shot of the 7th over in the South African innings. The bowler threw a back-of-a-length ball outside the off-stump area, Pandya got Stubbs to move off his own body. The batter pushed the ball while wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma made an unorthodox catch in front of the stumps, securing Pandya’s spot on the elite group of T20I bowlers.
Joining as an Elite Indian Club
After this demotion, Pandya became only the third Indian bowler to score 100 wickets in T20 men’s internationals. He was in the same category as Arshdeep Singh as well as Jasprit Bumrah, both who reached the mark early in the season. Arshdeep made the achievement during the 2025 Asia Cup encounter against Oman and Jasprit Bumrah was able to achieve the feat earlier during the same India-South Africa series.
A Rare All-Round Global record
The Pandya’s record goes beyond the national record. His record of 100 wickets, paired with over 1,000 T20I runs puts him in a unique world-wide class of all-rounders. He is the only pace-bowling all-rounder in the world to achieve this feat in T20 internationals for men. Before, players who scored more than 1,000 run-plus and 100 wickets were primarily spin all-rounders like the Bangladeshi Shakib Al Hasan and in Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza as well as the Malaysian Virandeep Singh.
Career Statistics Highlight the consistency
Over the 123 T20I games Pandya has racked up 1,939 runs. He has also took 100 wickets. These numbers highlight his consistent impact in both bowling and batting. Additionally, Pandya is among a elite group of players who hit 100 sixes in the male T20 internationals, confirming his standing as a hard-hitting all-rounder in the most compact format.
Return from injury as well as Series Impact
Pandya’s milestone occurs during an event that brought him back to regular international play after a layoff due to injury. He had been out of playing competitive cricket due to an injury to his quadriceps in the Asia Cup earlier in the year. The return of his form came in the very first T20I in Cuttack in which he put on an impressive performance that was match-defining with the ball and bat.
A Match-Winning Show on the field in Cuttack
In the first game of the series Pandya posted unbeaten 59 runs off 28 deliveries, securing six sixes and four boundaries. His innings was instrumental in helping India achieve a mighty total, and was followed by an impressive bowling performance, which led to an innings of 101 runs. The margin of loss was the lowest score for South Africa in T20 international cricket. Pandya was awarded Player of the Match due to his overall performance.
Series Progression Following Mixed results
Even though India scored a convincing win in the opening T20I but the team was hit with defeat in the following game at Mullanpur at which South Africa registered a 51-run win to draw the series level. In spite of the defeat Pandya’s performance and consistency continued to be a major topic of discussions with team managers, selectors and analysts.
Teams and toss Info
Prior to the 3rd T20I at Dharamsala, India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss, and chose to take the first wicket. It was the Indian playing XI was weakened by Axar Patel disqualified due to illness, and Jasprit Bumrah could not be in the team due to personal reasons. The absence of these players allowed bowlers like Harshit Rana, and Kuldeep Yadav, who were both in the squad. South Africa fielded a side which included an appearance by Tristan Stubbs and Anrich Nortje as well as Quinton de Kock in the batting line-up.
Bowling Pressure Dharamsala
The Indian bowlers continued to maintain pressure throughout South Africa’s innings of the T20I’s third game. As detailed accounts of over-by-overs continue to surface but Pandya’s 100th wicket was the most notable statistic of the game. The achievement was celebrated by both the players and the spectators considering the rareness of this landmark for T20 international cricket.
On-field Reactions as well as Recognition
Pandya’s accomplishment has also drawn attention away from the field. A tweet from his wife, Mahieka Sharma, celebrating this milestone by stating “100 Babyyyyy,” reflected the public and personal significance to the occasion. Former cricketers and fans alike recognized the milestone across all social media platforms.
Statistics Standings among the Indian Greats
In addition to 100 wickets across 123 matches Pandya has now been ranked in the top ranks of India’s T20I wicket-takers, along with Arshdeep Singh as well as Jasprit Bumrah. His 2,000-run run tally further strengthens his position as a crucial middle-order player and an important resource for the Indian T20 setup, especially when playing high-pressure international matches.
The evolution in the all-rounder role
The Pandya achievement underscores the importance of multi-skilled players in the modern era of T20 cricket. His role in the Indian team is often shifted according to the game conditions and tactical demands, giving India the flexibility to change the composition of their team and making decisions in game during the ongoing match with South Africa continues.
