Cuttack: In a stunning turnaround at the Barabati Stadium here, India scripted a commanding 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20 International of the series, erasing memories of recent ODI heartbreaks.
Electing to bat first under the floodlights, the Men in Blue posted a challenging 175 for the loss of several early wickets, only for all-rounder Hardik Pandya to unleash a ferocious unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls, turning the tide with his explosive strokeplay.
Pandya’s innings – a whirlwind of boundaries and sixes – came at a strike rate exceeding 210, rescuing India after a top-order collapse that saw skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Abhishek Sharma falter against the Proteas’ disciplined attack. His gritty knock propelled the visitors to a defendable total, setting the stage for a bowling masterclass.
South Africa, chasing a steep target, crumbled spectacularly for a paltry 74 all out in under 15 overs. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in history by claiming his 100th T20I wicket, a milestone that underscored his lethal precision and swing. Bumrah’s fiery spell dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup, complemented by sharp contributions from the rest of the Indian attack, leaving the visitors shell-shocked.
This emphatic win, India’s biggest in T20Is against South Africa by margin, signals a fierce resurgence under Yadav’s leadership. As the series intensifies, the Proteas must regroup swiftly, while India rides high on momentum.