### Hardik Pandya on the Verge of T20I History as India Faces South Africa Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is poised to achieve a historic milestone in T20 International cricket as India prepares to face South Africa in the second T20I of their five-match series in Mullanpur. Following a remarkable comeback performance in the series opener, where he scored an unbeaten 59 runs and took a wicket, Pandya is just one wicket away from becoming the first Indian cricketer to reach 100 wickets and 1000 runs in T20Is. The Indian team currently leads the series 1-0 after a dominant 101-run victory in Cuttack, where Pandya's all-round brilliance played a pivotal role in the win [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/ind_vs_sa_2025_hardik_pandya_one_wicket_away_from_achieving_unprecedented_t20i_feat_for_indian_team/s1_17728_43189620]. ### Breakdown of Hardik Pandya's Impact and Upcoming Milestone 1. **Historic Achievement**: - Hardik Pandya is on the brink of becoming the first Indian to achieve 100 wickets and 1000 runs in T20Is, needing just one more wicket in the upcoming match [https://thesportstak.com/cricket/south-africa-tour-of-india-2025/story/ind-vs-sa-hardik-pandya-just-one-wicket-away-from-becoming-1st-indian-to-take-100-wickets-and-1000-runs-in-t20is-3219948-2025-12-10]. 2. **Recent Performance**: - In the first T20I, Pandya scored a blistering 59 runs off 28 balls, leading India to a total of 175 runs. His innings included six boundaries and four sixes, showcasing his explosive batting ability [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/comeback-man-hardik-pandya-steals-the-show-india-south-africa/20251210.htm]. - He also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket, which helped secure a significant victory over South Africa, who were bowled out for just 74 runs [https://www.sports365.info/2025/12/10/south-africa-stunned-by-lowest-ever-t20i-total-as-hardik-pandya-leads-india-to-a-crushing-101-run-win]. 3. **Team Dynamics**: - The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is looking to extend their lead in the series. Pandya's return from injury has been a game-changer, restoring balance and depth to the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup [https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/sports/hardik-pandya-return-india-vs-south-africa-t20-performance-impact-analysis-as99]. ### Supporting Evidence of Pandya's Performance and Milestone - **Match Statistics**: - In the first T20I against South Africa: - **Runs Scored**: 59* off 28 balls - **Wickets Taken**: 1 - **Team Total**: 175 runs - **Opponent Total**: 74 runs [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-south-africa-live-score-1st-t20i-ind-vs-sa-match-india-national-cricket-team-vs-south-africa-cricket-team-scorecard-commentary-liveblog-153265174]. - **Historical Context**: - If Pandya takes one more wicket in the upcoming match, he will join an elite group of players globally who have achieved this dual milestone, marking a significant moment in Indian cricket history [https://www.oneturf.news/cricket-news/ind-vs-sa-hardik-pandya-nears-a-massive-milestone-in-t20i-cricket]. ### Conclusion: Pandya's Potential to Make History In summary, **Hardik Pandya's imminent milestone of 100 wickets and 1000 runs in T20Is underscores his critical role in the Indian cricket team**. His recent performances have not only showcased his individual talent but have also significantly contributed to the team's success. As India heads into the second T20I against South Africa, all eyes will be on Pandya to see if he can achieve this unprecedented feat, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. 1. **Historic Milestone**: One wicket away from a unique T20I record. 2. **Recent Performance**: Key contributions in the first T20I led to a dominant victory. 3. **Team Dynamics**: His return enhances India's prospects in upcoming matches and tournaments. The cricketing world eagerly anticipates Pandya's next performance, which could mark a new chapter in Indian cricket history [https://www.india.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2025-1st-t20-jasprit-bumrah-equals-world-record-after-hardik-pandya-fifty-as-india-post-massive-8222538].