South Africa Collapse to 74 as India Take 1–0

South Africa Collapse to 74 as India Take 1–0

Cuttack, December 9, 2025 – India kicked off their five-match T20I series against South Africa with a commanding 101-run victory at the Barabati Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead. In a dominant all-round display, the Men in Blue defended 175/6 by bowling out the visitors for just 74 – South Africa's lowest-ever total in T20I cricket.

Hardik Pandya's Explosive Return Powers India

Opting to bat first after losing the toss, India struggled early with the top order failing to capitalize on a batting-friendly pitch. Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav got starts but couldn't build big innings. The game turned when Hardik Pandya, making his international comeback after injury, unleashed an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes). His blistering knock lifted India from a shaky 78/4 to a competitive 175/6. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers with 3/31.

Indian Bowlers Demolish Proteas Chase

Chasing 176, South Africa collapsed spectacularly. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah struck early, while Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel (2/7) and Hardik Pandya (1/16) shared the spoils. Dewald Brevis top-scored with 22, but the Proteas were bundled out in just 12.3 overs. Bumrah reached a historic milestone with his 100th T20I wicket.

Key Highlights

• India 175/6 (20 overs) – Hardik Pandya 59* (28), Lungi Ngidi 3/31
• South Africa 74 all out (12.3 overs) – Dewald Brevis 22, Arshdeep Singh 2/14, Bumrah 2/17, Chakravarthy 2/19, Axar 2/7
• Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya (59* & 1/16)

This ruthless performance highlights India's depth ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, while South Africa face a tough task to bounce back.