“India controlled the match from early on and never allowed South Africa back into the contest.”
India produced a dominant all-round performance to beat South Africa by 101 runs in the first T20I at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. With this victory, India took a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.
Batting first, India finished on 175/6. The innings was lifted by a brilliant knock from Hardik Pandya, who smashed an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls. His aggressive hitting in the final overs pushed India to a strong total after a slightly shaky start.
South Africa never settled in their chase. India’s bowlers attacked from the first over, and the visitors collapsed to just 74 all out, their lowest ever T20I score. Wickets fell regularly as India maintained pressure with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Hardik Pandya was named Player of the Match for his all-round impact, contributing both with the bat and the ball.
The win gives India early momentum in the series and puts South Africa under pressure heading into the next game.