Hardik Pandya Leads India to Crushing Win in First T20I Against South Africa

Overview

India claimed a commanding 101 run victory in the first T20I as Hardik Pandya blazing unbeaten 59 powered a competitive total before the bowlers dismantled South Africa for just 74. Arshdeep, Bumrah, Varun and Axar took control early, ensuring India’s dominant start to the series.

Hardik Pandya celebrates his match winning fifty in the first T20I against South Africa.
Image Source: Instagram/@hardikpandya93 — Edited & Modified by Us

India opened the T20I series in emphatic fashion in Cuttack recording a massive 101 run victory over South Africa. Hardik Pandya electric unbeaten 59 off 28 balls set up a strong total before India bowlers tore through the visitors lineup bowling them out for just 74 their lowest ever score in T20Is.

Hardik Comeback Heroics Lift India to 175

Returning to the side with confidence Hardik Pandya delivered an innings full of intent and smart shot selection. Walking in during a tricky phase he shifted the momentum with clean striking powerful lofted shots and fearless targeting of the spinners.

India Recovers After a Shaky Start

South Africa started well with the ball using the pace friendly surface to trouble India’s top order.

Lungi Ngidi removed Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav early.

Marco Jansen maintained pressure by generating bounce and swing.

With the score wobbling Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma played cautiously to rebuild. Tilak later reignited the innings with a massive six off Anrich Nortje that sailed into the night sky.

Hardik and Jitesh Power the Finish

Once India lost Tilak, Axar and Dube in quick succession Hardik took charge.

He struck two effortless sixes off Keshav Maharaj.

In partnership with Jitesh Sharma he plundered 18 runs from the penultimate over.

His 100th T20I six brought up a superb half century off just 25 deliveries.

India ended with 175 on the board a total that quickly proved far beyond South Africa reach.

South Africa Batting Collapses to Its Lowest T20I Total

The chase never took off for South Africa.

Arshdeep Early Strikes Break the Top Order

Arshdeep Singh opened India attack with lethal swing bowling.

A wide outswinger took Quinton de Kock edge safely collected by Abhishek Sharma at second slip.

Tristan Stubbs fell next deceived by a wobble seam delivery confirmed after a sharp review.

Axar and Varun Tighten the Grip

Spin then took control:

Axar Patel bowled Aiden Markram with a beautiful delivery that crashed into leg stump.

Back to back dismissals of David Miller and Donovan Ferreira left South Africa crumbling.

Varun Chakaravarthy added to the misery by removing Marco Jansen with a well disguised googly.

Bumrah Cleans Up and Reaches Milestone

Jasprit Bumrah wiped out the lower order dismissing Dewald Brevis and Keshav Maharaj.

The double strike took him past the 100 wicket mark in T20I a major milestone in his storied career.

South Africa were bundled out for 74 in 12.3 overs sealing a dominant Indian win.

A Statement Victory for India

India all round performance delivered a clear message the team is in top form with both bat and ball firing. Hardik powerful return supported by disciplined bowling from Arshdeep, Bumrah, Axar and Varun, gives India strong momentum moving forward in the series.

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