India kicked off their T20 International series against South Africa with a comprehensive 101-run victory in the first match at Cuttack. The clinical performance saw Hardik Pandya shine with both bat and ball, supported by a formidable bowling attack that completely stifled the Proteas. This commanding win gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and a significant confidence boost ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Defending 176, India’s bowlers were on fire from the start. Arshdeep Singh was the destructor-in-chief, picking up two early wickets to put South Africa under immense pressure. Even as Markram and Dewald Brevis tried to inject momentum, Axar Patel provided a much-needed breakthrough. Hardik Pandya, making his return to bowling, struck gold immediately, claiming the wicket of David Miller on his opening delivery.
The South African chase rapidly unravelled as Indian bowlers consistently took wickets. Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Marco Jansen, and Jasprit Bumrah reached the milestone of 100 T20I wickets with a double-strike in the 11th over. The Proteas batting order crumbled, with Axar Patel also bagging wickets. The innings concluded with South Africa being bowled out for their lowest-ever T20I total of 74, highlighting the dominance of the Indian bowling attack.
Earlier, India’s innings had a shaky start with the early dismissals of Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, both courtesy of Lungi Ngidi. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma brought stability to the innings before being separated. The middle overs were challenging, but Hardik Pandya’s aggressive 59, featuring six fours and four sixes, was the highlight of India’s batting effort, guiding them to a respectable 175/6. Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma provided valuable late runs. Pandya’s exceptional innings, played on a difficult pitch, was key to setting up the victory.