Hardik Pandya made a spectacular comeback to international cricket, smashing an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls and taking a key wicket as India thrashed South Africa by 101 runs in the first T20I at Cuttack. South Africa were bowled out for 74, their lowest-ever T20I total, surpassing their previous record of 87 all out against India in 2022.
Hardik Pandya’s Explosive Comeback
Returning from a quadriceps injury that sidelined him for 74 days, Hardik Pandya walked in at No. 6 when India were under pressure at 48/3. His fearless hitting, including six fours and six towering sixes, turned the match around. Notably, he scored 71 runs in the final six overs, finishing with a 25-ball half-century.
Pandya began his innings with back-to-back sixes off Keshav Maharaj and then punished Anrich Nortje with a 17-run over, stepping out to hit a 149kph delivery for four. His late assault provided India a competitive 175/6 on a tricky red-soil pitch.
India’s Early Wobble
India struggled early against South Africa’s pace attack. Shubman Gill (4), Abhishek Sharma (17), and Suryakumar Yadav (12) fell inside the first seven overs, with Lungi Ngidi exploiting the two-paced bounce. Tilak Varma (26) showed promise, smashing a six off Nortje, but India had lost six wickets before Pandya’s counterattack.
India’s Bowlers Run Through South Africa
Chasing 176, South Africa were never in the contest. Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel claimed two wickets each, while Pandya removed David Miller. Early breakthroughs by Arshdeep set the tone: Quinton de Kock fell for a two-ball duck, followed by Tristan Stubbs for 14.
Axar Patel struck in the final over of the powerplay, dismissing Aiden Markram, leaving South Africa 28/3. Pandya’s wicket of Miller further dented the visitors’ hopes. Chakravarthy cleaned up Donovan Ferreira and Marco Jansen, while Bumrah wrapped up Dewald Brevis and Keshav Maharaj, reducing South Africa to 74 all out in 12.3 overs.
Key Stats from the Match
Highest T20I Score: Hardik Pandya – 59* off 28 balls
India Total: 175/6
South Africa Total: 74 all out
Wickets: Arshdeep Singh 2/10, Jasprit Bumrah 2/14, Varun Chakravarthy 2/8, Axar Patel 2/12, Hardik Pandya 1/7
South Africa’s Lowest-Ever T20I Total
This match marked South Africa’s lowest T20I score, breaking their previous 87-run total against India in 2022. Skipper Aiden Markram’s side struggled with partnerships and failed to build momentum, with smart Indian bowling and fielding exploiting every weakness.
Conclusion
India’s 101-run victory in Cuttack highlighted Hardik Pandya’s match-winning abilities, both with bat and ball, and the depth of the Indian bowling attack. This win gives India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series and sets a commanding tone for the remainder of the series.
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