Allround Pandya shines as India knocks over South Africa for 74: 1st T20 (Cuttack)

India dominated the opening T20I in Cuttack, defeating South Africa by a massive 101-run margin to take a 1–0 lead in the series.

After being put in to bat, India posted a competitive 175/6, powered by Hardik Pandya’s explosive unbeaten 59 off 28 balls and useful middle-order contributions.

South Africa’s chase never began, collapsing to just 74 all out in 12.3 overs — their lowest total in T20 internationals — as India’s bowlers operated with relentless accuracy and shared the wickets among them.

The match marked a commanding all-round performance for India and a memorable comeback for Pandya, who was named Player of the Match.

India 175 for 6 (Hardik 59*, Ngidi 3-31) beat South Africa 74 all out (Brevis 22, Arshdeep 2-14, Bumrah 2-17, Chakravarthy 2-19, Axar 2-7) by 101 runs.

Dec 2025