Hardik Pandya has added another massive achievement to his international career — 100 wickets in T20 Internationals. The landmark came in the 3rd T20I of the India vs South Africa series in Dharamsala (14 December 2025), when Pandya struck early and removed Tristan Stubbs.
This milestone is special because Pandya is not only a match-winner with the bat, but also a trusted bowler who delivers breakthroughs in pressure moments. Reaching 100 wickets proves his long-term impact in T20Is, especially in key games against strong opponents.
The 100th Wicket Moment: How It Happened
Pandya reached the milestone with a wicket that had a “big-match” feel.
- Batter dismissed: Tristan Stubbs
- Mode of dismissal: Caught (Jitesh Sharma) – bowled Hardik Pandya
- Over: 6.6
- Match situation: South Africa were already struggling, and this wicket pushed them deeper into trouble.
The ball was back-of-a-length, moving away outside off. Stubbs tried to guide it down to third man, but edged it straight to the wicketkeeper. Pandya celebrated with visible emotion — the kind of reaction that shows how much this personal milestone meant to him.
At that point, South Africa slipped to 30/4 in 7 overs, and India were clearly on top.
Hardik Pandya Becomes the 3rd Indian with 100+ T20I Wickets
With this wicket, Hardik Pandya became the third Indian bowler to complete 100 T20I wickets, after:
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Hardik Pandya
This puts him in a rare Indian bowling list, especially impressive because he is primarily known as a batting all-rounder.
Players With 1000+ Runs and 100+ Wickets in T20Is
Pandya’s milestone also places him among a special group of cricketers who have both scored heavily and taken wickets consistently in T20Is.
| Player | Team | T20I Runs | T20I Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Nabi | Afghanistan | 2417 | 104 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 2551 | 149 |
| Sikandar Raza | Zimbabwe | 2883 | 102 |
| Virandeep Singh | Malaysia | 3180 | 109 |
| Hardik Pandya | India | 1939 | 100* |
Why this list matters: It shows complete all-round value — not just one skill, but consistent impact with bat + ball.
Players With 100 Sixes and 100 Wickets in T20Is
Hardik Pandya also fits into another powerful club — players who combine big-hitting with wicket-taking.
| Player | Team | Wickets | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sikandar Raza | Zimbabwe | 102 | 133 |
| Mohammad Nabi | Afghanistan | 104 | 122 |
| Virandeep Singh | Malaysia | 107 | 128 |
| Hardik Pandya | India | 100* | 101 |
This list clearly shows Pandya’s identity in T20 cricket: a finisher who can change the game with the bat and break partnerships with the ball.
Match Context: Why This Wicket Felt Even Bigger
This milestone didn’t come in a dead game — it came in a high-pressure series where every match matters.
- India won the toss and chose to bowl first
- Conditions were cold in Dharamsala, with dew already visible
- The pitch had a decent grass cover, and bowlers needed smart variations
- India made two forced changes: Axar Patel ill, Bumrah unavailable due to personal reasons
- South Africa were rocked early by India’s pace attack, and Pandya’s wicket made it worse
When your team needs you, and you deliver a landmark wicket — that’s what makes the moment memorable.
Read more: Top 10 Most Dangerous Bowlers in World
Hardik Pandya’s T20I Bowling Snapshot
Hardik has been used as a first-change bowler, and he often bowls in tricky phases: end of powerplay, middle overs, and sometimes at the death.
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| T20I Matches | 110 |
| T20I Wickets | 100* |
| Best Bowling | 4/16 |
(Numbers reflect the milestone update shown during the match.)
What This Means for India Going Forward
Hardik Pandya reaching 100 T20I wickets is not just a personal record — it strengthens India’s balance.
- India get a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder
- He offers flexibility in the XI (extra bowler + extra batter)
- His experience becomes very important in big tournaments and tight matches
In T20 cricket, teams need players who can contribute in multiple ways — and Pandya continues to prove why he remains one of India’s most valuable names in the shortest format.
Read more: India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Records in Test, ODI & T20I
Summary
Hardik Pandya completed 100 T20I wickets during the IND vs SA 3rd T20I in Dharamsala, dismissing Tristan Stubbs caught by Jitesh Sharma. With this, he became the third Indian to reach the landmark and also entered multiple elite all-rounder lists that combine runs, wickets, and six-hitting power.
