India opened the series with a dominant win as the bowling attack dismantled South Africa’s batting in the first T20I. What began as a competitive contest turned one sided once the bowlers found rhythm, leaving the packed Barabati Stadium watching a collapse unfold.
India posted 175 for 6, but the top order again failed to fire. Wickets fell regularly in the powerplay and middle overs, increasing pressure on the lower order and limiting momentum during the early part of the innings.
Hardik Pandya emerged as the difference with a blistering 59 not out from 28 balls. His knock included six fours and four sixes, and his half century came in just 25 deliveries, shifting the tempo of the match.
India added 53 runs in the final five overs, powered by Hardik’s late surge. In response, South Africa folded for just 74, recording their lowest T20I score after failing to recover from early blows.
The spotlight was firmly on Hardik’s return after 74 days following a left quadricep injury. He showed no restraint and attacked from the start, launching two sixes off Keshav Maharaj to take control of the innings.
He then targeted Anrich Nortje with confidence, stepping out to a 149 kmph delivery and driving it for four. Marco Jansen’s short balls were handled with ease, ending with a ramped six over third man.
Once the target was set, the bowlers dominated. Arshdeep took two early wickets, while Varun added two more with disciplined spells and Axar Patel chipped in with two key breakthroughs.
Jasprit Bumrah grabbed two crucial wickets and Hardik struck on his first delivery. South Africa’s main batters de Kock, Markram, Stubbs, Miller and Brevis failed together, sealing a crushing 101-run win for India.
