Cuttack: India delivered a commanding all-round performance to crush South Africa by 101 runs in the opening T20 International at Barabati Stadium on Tuesday, storming to a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.
In front of a roaring capacity crowd of 46,000, the Men in Blue dominated both with bat and ball, bundling out the visitors for a paltry 74 in just 12.3 overs after posting a competitive 175 for 6 on a challenging surface. The emphatic win marked South Africa’s lowest-ever total in T20 Internationals and gave India their first T20I victory against the Proteas at the iconic Cuttack venue, reversing defeats suffered here in 2015 and 2022.
Hardik Pandya anchored India’s innings with a composed unbeaten 59, steering the hosts to a strong finish despite difficult batting conditions. South Africa’s bowlers managed to contain runs in patches, but India capitalised in the final overs to post a total that proved far beyond reach.
The Indian pace attack made immediate inroads in the chase, with Arshdeep Singh striking twice in his opening spell. He removed Quinton de Kock, caught by Abhishek Sharma at slip, before inducing an edge from Tristan Stubbs that was safely taken by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.
A brief 24-run partnership—the highest of South Africa’s innings—offered momentary resistance before a dramatic collapse saw the visitors slump from 40 for 2 to 74 all out in just seven overs. The Indian bowlers shared the spoils as Axar Patel (2/7), Jasprit Bumrah (2/17), and Varun Chakravarthy (2/19) ran through the middle and lower order, with Pandya and Shivam Dube also claiming a wicket each.
Jitesh Sharma capped off a memorable night with the gloves, effecting four catches as India sealed a resounding victory.
Brief Scores:
India 175/6 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 59*; Lungi Ngidi 2/31)
South Africa 74 all out in 12.3 overs (Dewald Brevis 22; Axar Patel 2/7, Arshdeep Singh 2/14, Jasprit Bumrah 2/17, Varun Chakravarthy 2/19)
Result: India beat South Africa by 101 runs
Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya
