By Levy Masiteng
In a stunning display of power-hitting, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya smashed an unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls to lead his team to a commanding 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20 International at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday.
Pandya showed off his explosive batting skills, striking six fours and four sixes as India posted a competitive 175/6 in their 20 overs.
“I had to back my shots. I realised the wicket had a bit of spice. I had to be a bit gutsy,” Pandya told reporters after he was named player of the match.
South Africa’s chase of 176 was shredded from the start, with India restricting them to 74 all out in 12.3 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah became the second Indian bowler to take 100 or more wickets in T20I cricket after Arshdeep Singh.
During the match, Lutho Sipamla had Axar Patel caught on the boundary and made 104/5. With only six overs remaining, the Proteas were in the driving seat.
Lungi Ngidi and Sipamla also combined perfectly to restrict the host to 175/6.
However, the India’s bowlers were exceptional, with Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah all taking two wickets each.
South Africa’s bowlers, on the other hand, struggled to contain India’s batting lineup, with Ngidi (3/31) and Sipamla (2/38) the only ones to take wickets.
This victory gives India the momentum going into the next match of the five-match series, which will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
“It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting,” Pandya said.
The five-match series forms part of both sides’ build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, starting 7 February.
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