Hardik Pandya Hits 16-Ball Fifty, Celebrates With Flying Kiss in India’s T20I Win
Pandya’s rapid fifty and flying-kiss celebration headline India’s series-clinching T20I victory over South Africa.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya lit up the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday with a breathtaking display in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa. He smashed the second-fastest half-century in India's T20I history, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls en route to a blistering 63 off 25 deliveries that included five fours and five sixes. This explosive knock also saw him become the fifth Indian batter to cross 2,000 runs in T20Is, joining an elite list featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and KL Rahul.
Pandya's aggressive batting formed the cornerstone of India's imposing total of 231/5. He forged a vital 105-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 73 off 42 balls. Earlier contributions came from Sanju Samson, deputising for the injured Shubman Gill with 37, and Abhishek Sharma's quick 34 in a 63-run opening stand, while Shivam Dube added late impetus to push the score past 230.
In the field, India's bowlers delivered a clinical performance to restrict South Africa to 201/8 and secure a 30-run victory, clinching the series 3-1. Varun Chakravarthy claimed 4/53 with his clever variations, while Jasprit Bumrah's crucial spell included the key wicket of Quinton de Kock for 63 via a sharp return catch. The Proteas had looked threatening at 118/1 midway but collapsed dramatically after Bumrah's intervention.
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The match showcased India's depth across batting and bowling departments under captain Suryakumar Yadav. Pandya, named Player of the Match, underlined his importance as a dynamic finisher and all-rounder in the shortest format.
In a heartwarming moment amid the on-field heroics, Pandya celebrated his half-century by blowing flying kisses towards the stands. His girlfriend, model Mahieka Sharma, was spotted cheering enthusiastically, drawing attention to the couple, who went public with their relationship in 2025 following Pandya's separation from Natasa Stankovic.
India concluded the year on a triumphant note with this series win, extending their dominant home record in bilateral T20I series. The victory marked their eighth consecutive series triumph in the format, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in T20 cricket.
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