/newsfirstprime/media/agency_attachments/2025/07/28/2025-07-28t111554609z-2025-07-23t100810984z-newsfirst_prime_640-siddesh-kumar-h-p-1-2025-07-23-15-38-10-2025-07-28-16-45-54.webp)
Follow Us
/newsfirstprime/media/media_files/2025/12/10/hardik-pandya-8-2025-12-10-08-56-21-2025-12-10-09-14-02.webp)
India crushed South Africa by 101 runs in the series-opening T20I, with Hardik Pandya delivering a stunning lone-warrior innings on a tough batting night in Cuttack.
On a night when batting looked difficult for nearly everyone, it was Hardik Pandya who rose above the pressure and powered India to a commanding victory in the opening T20I against South Africa in Cuttack. India, who had also won against the same side yesterday, produced an even more dominant show this time, led entirely by Hardik’s extraordinary counter-attacking innings.
Also Read:Who will take the field? — Probable India playing XI vs South Africa in Cuttack T20
India were asked to bat first after losing the toss, but the start turned shaky almost immediately. Vice-captain Shubman Gill failed yet again, dismissed for just 4. Captain Suryakumar Yadav tried to break through his lean patch but struggled to find rhythm, managing only 12 despite striking a six and a four. Abhishek Sharma showed aggression early with a six and two boundaries but couldn’t convert it into a longer stay, departing for 17 off 12.
Tilak Varma too could not find momentum, scoring 26 from 32 balls, while Axar Patel added 23 off 21 before falling. With the top and middle order slipping repeatedly, India appeared headed for a below-par score.
Also Read:Airports weigh compensation claims against IndiGo after mass flight cancellations
That changed when Hardik Pandya walked in. Playing his comeback match, he took full control of the innings, smashing the South African bowlers across the ground with clean hitting and fearless intent. Batting at a strike rate of 210, Hardik cracked six boundaries and four massive sixes on his way to an unbeaten 59, his fourth T20I half-century. His partnership with Jitesh Sharma, who stayed unbeaten on 10, guided India to a competitive 175/6 at the end of 20 overs. Shivam Dube contributed 11 before being dismissed.
South Africa’s chase never took off. India’s disciplined bowling dismantled their batting lineup, skittling them out for just 74 in 12.3 overs. None of the Proteas batters managed to settle as India’s attack maintained constant pressure. The hosts completed a crushing 101-run win, marking a powerful start to the series.
Also Read:Starlink clarifies India pricing after website glitch
