India made an emphatic statement in their title defense preparations for the T20 World Cup with a crushing 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday. Hardik Pandya’s spectacular return from injury and Arshdeep Singh’s lethal new-ball spell combined to hand the Proteas their lowest-ever T20I total, as they were bowled out for a paltry 74 in just 12.3 overs while chasing 176.
The comprehensive victory after losing the toss and batting on a tricky, damp surface should serve as a warning to other T20 World Cup contenders that India are prepared to handle the most challenging scenarios that the shortest format can present.
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India’s Challenging Start
From the very first ball, it was evident that India had been dealt a difficult hand on a sticky pitch that would get progressively better as dew set in during the evening. South Africa captain Aiden Markram’s decision to bowl first appeared vindicated early as his pace attack exploited the conditions superbly.
Lungi Ngidi struck twice in the powerplay, removing both vice-captain Shubman Gill for 4 and captain Suryakumar Yadav for 12. Both batters lobbed catches to mid-off and mid-on respectively, victims of the steep bounce the tall South African seamers were extracting from the surface. India found themselves precariously placed at 17 for 2 within three overs.
The struggle continued through the middle overs as India’s left-handed middle order—Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Axar Patel—all failed to get going. Abhishek managed just 17 off 12 balls before falling to yet another spectacular catch by Marco Jansen, who had been South Africa’s catching hero throughout the tour. Tilak Varma top-scored among the top order with 26 off 32 balls, while Axar contributed 23 off 24, but both innings reflected the difficulty of timing the ball on the challenging surface.
When Hardik Pandya strode to the crease at 78 for 4 in the 12th over, India faced the very real prospect of posting a below-par total on a pitch that would become significantly friendlier for batting under lights with dew.
Hardik Pandya’s Spectacular Rescue Act
What followed was a masterclass in counter-attacking batting that single-handedly transformed India’s innings. Hardik, returning to international cricket after more than two months following a quadriceps injury sustained during India’s Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka, announced his comeback in the most emphatic fashion imaginable.
Markram’s tactical decision to introduce Keshav Maharaj against Hardik—who averages barely a run a ball against left-arm spin in his T20 career—backfired spectacularly. Hardik dispatched Maharaj for two disdainful no-look sixes to kickstart India’s revival, setting the tone for a devastating assault that would follow.
Even Anrich Nortje, who had been virtually unplayable for the other Indian batters on his return to international cricket for the first time since last year’s T20 World Cup final, received brutal treatment from Hardik. The all-rounder carted him for two boundaries—one using Nortje’s express pace, and another a gorgeous off-drive after charging down the pitch.
Hardik’s unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, was a knock of the highest class. He reached his fifty in a mere 25 balls, bringing it up with an audacious ramp shot off Nortje that also brought him a significant milestone—his 100th T20I six, making him only the fourth Indian player to reach that landmark after Rohit Sharma (205), Suryakumar Yadav (155), and Virat Kohli (124).
India plundered 71 runs in the last six overs, with 30 coming off the final two alone. Everyone except Jansen had their figures torn apart as Hardik helped India post what eventually proved to be a match-winning 175 for 6. For South Africa, Ngidi finished with respectable figures of 3 for 31 in four overs, while Lutho Sipamla claimed 2 wickets.
Arshdeep Sets the Tone
Defending 176, India needed to capitalize on the brief period of new-ball movement before conditions improved. Arshdeep Singh provided exactly the start India required, striking with the perfect delivery in just his second ball.
Quinton de Kock, whose poor T20I form had continued, edged an awayswinger that also seamed away to give Abhishek Sharma an easy catch at second slip. The dangerous South African opener departed for a golden duck, leaving the visitors at 0 for 1 in 0.2 overs.
Tristan Stubbs looked in excellent touch initially, timing the ball beautifully and collecting two boundaries. However, Arshdeep switched to wobble-seam deliveries in his second over, which brought him Stubbs’ wicket for 14 off 9. Jitesh Sharma took the first of three smart catches to reduce South Africa to 16 for 2 in 2.3 overs.
Arshdeep’s early breakthroughs set the tone for what would become a procession, finishing with excellent figures of 2 for 14 from his two overs.
Spinners and Bumrah Complete the Rout
While hitting still appeared easier than it had in India’s innings, the home side never allowed South Africa to build any momentum, ensuring wickets fell regularly. India never went more than 16 balls without claiming a scalp.
The most threatening partnership lasted just 16 balls, with Dewald Brevis getting the better of Varun Chakravarthy in the fifth over with a four and a six. However, Aiden Markram’s dismissal to Axar Patel ended any hopes of a recovery. The South African captain went back to a length ball from Axar and was bowled leg stump for 14, leaving his team at 24 for 3.
Hardik’s dream night continued as he took a wicket with his very first ball. David Miller, one of South Africa’s most experienced T20 campaigners, inside-edged onto his pad, with Jitesh Sharma diving forward to complete another smart catch. Miller’s departure for just 1 left South Africa reeling at 45 for 4 in 6.1 overs.
Varun Chakravarthy then dismantled the middle and lower order with his mystery spin, removing Donovan Ferreira (5) and Marco Jansen (12)—one with a quicker delivery, the other with a slower one. Axar Patel completed his spell with figures of 2 for 7, having also accounted for Keshav Maharaj.
Jasprit Bumrah, who had been rested for the preceding ODI series, returned to claim the milestone of becoming only the fifth bowler in world cricket to take 100 wickets in all three international formats. He joined an elite club comprising Shakib Al Hasan, Lasith Malinga, Shaheen Afridi, and Tim Southee, finishing with figures of 2 for 17 from three overs.
Shivam Dube, likely selected ahead of Rinku Singh for his bowling ability, gave the team management one final reason to smile by claiming the last wicket—Lutho Sipamla caught by Abhishek Sharma for 2. South Africa’s innings ended in humiliation at 74 all out in just 12.3 overs, their lowest total in T20I history.
Dewald Brevis top-scored with 22 off 14 balls, the only batsman to reach double figures besides Markram and Stubbs. The comprehensive nature of the defeat highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides on the night.
Perfect Preparation for World Cup
India’s victory was built on the kind of resilience and adaptability that defines champions. Losing the toss and being forced to bat on a challenging surface represented exactly the scenario cricket experts had identified as India’s potential stumbling block in their title defense at the home T20 World Cup in February.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed satisfaction with his team’s depth, noting that with seven to eight batters in the lineup, there would be occasions when others could cover up if some batters struggled. He emphasized his desire for all players to bat fearlessly and enjoy themselves.
The comprehensive 101-run victory margin sends a powerful message to rivals that India possess both the batting firepower to overcome difficult conditions and the bowling quality to defend moderate totals. With the T20 World Cup just two months away, this five-match series against South Africa serves as crucial preparation for the hosts.
For South Africa, the defeat was a sobering reality check. Captain Markram acknowledged that while there was good form with ball and field, the batting went downhill catastrophically. He admitted the surface felt quite sticky with tennis-ball bounce, but insisted they would have taken 175 at the toss. The lack of partnerships proved fatal, and Markram indicated the team would have brief conversations around their batting approach.
With four more matches remaining in the series, both teams will look to make adjustments. India will seek to maintain their momentum and fine-tune combinations ahead of the World Cup, while South Africa must quickly regroup to avoid a series whitewash and gain valuable match practice for the global tournament.
The second T20I takes place on Thursday, with South Africa desperate to level the series and India aiming to press home their advantage with another commanding performance.
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FAQs
What was Hardik Pandya’s contribution in the 1st T20I?
Hardik Pandya scored an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls with six fours and four sixes, rescuing India from 78/4 to help them reach 175/6. He also took the crucial wicket of David Miller with his first ball and finished with figures of 1/16, earning Player of the Match honors.
What is South Africa’s lowest T20I score?
South Africa’s lowest T20I total is 74 all out, which they scored in 12.3 overs in the 1st T20I against India at Cuttack on December 9, 2025. This surpassed their previous lowest of 87 against Pakistan.
Which milestone did Hardik Pandya achieve in this match?
Hardik Pandya became only the fourth Indian player to hit 100 T20I sixes, joining Rohit Sharma (205), Suryakumar Yadav (155), and Virat Kohli (124). He reached this milestone with a ramp shot off Anrich Nortje while bringing up his half-century.
What milestone did Jasprit Bumrah reach in the 1st T20I?
Jasprit Bumrah became only the fifth bowler in world cricket history to take 100 wickets in all three international formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is), joining Shakib Al Hasan, Lasith Malinga, Shaheen Afridi, and Tim Southee. He finished with figures of 2/17 in the match.
How did Arshdeep Singh perform with the new ball?
Arshdeep Singh set the tone for India’s bowling performance by dismissing Quinton de Kock for a golden duck in the second ball and removing Tristan Stubbs for 14 in his second over. He finished with excellent figures of 2/14 from two overs, providing the early breakthroughs India needed.
