India secured a commanding 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20 International at Cuttack, taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the five-match series. All-rounder Hardik Pandya was instrumental in the win with a stellar all-round performance, complemented by a disciplined bowling effort from the Indian squad. This emphatic start sets a positive tone for India’s T20 World Cup preparations.
Chasing a target of 176, South Africa’s innings imploded as India’s bowlers dismantled their batting order. Arshdeep Singh struck early, removing Quinton de Kock for a duck on the second ball. Tristan Stubbs’ brief counter-attack was cut short by Singh, who claimed his second wicket in the third over. Despite efforts from Markram and Dewald Brevis to stabilize the innings, Axar Patel’s crucial breakthrough dismissed the Proteas captain.
Hardik Pandya, returning to the bowling attack, made an immediate impact by taking a wicket on his first delivery, getting rid of the dangerous David Miller. The South African batting lineup faltered under sustained pressure, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Though Marco Jansen offered a glimmer of hope with a couple of sixes, Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed him. Jasprit Bumrah reached a significant milestone, claiming his 100th T20I wicket by dismissing Dewald Brevis and Keshav Maharaj in the same over. Anrich Nortje’s dismissal by Axar Patel further plunged South Africa into deep trouble. Shivam Dube sealed the victory with a fine catch, leading to Lutho Sipamla’s dismissal and bowling South Africa out for their lowest T20I total of 74.
Earlier, India’s batting faced early setbacks. Shubman Gill’s return was short-lived, dismissed by Lungi Ngidi in the opening over, who also accounted for Suryakumar Yadav. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma provided stability, but Sipamla broke the partnership. Pandya’s exceptional knock of 59, featuring six fours and four sixes, was the cornerstone of India’s innings, guiding them to 175/6. Cameos from Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma added valuable late runs. On a challenging pitch that offered assistance to bowlers, Pandya’s masterful innings stood out, demonstrating his ability to adapt and dominate.