Pandya’s explosive performance leads India to dominate South Africa in T20 series opener
Pandya’s explosive performance led India to a decisive victory over South Africa in the first T20 match of the series. The match was held in Cuttack, where India batted first and set a challenging target.
Pandya’s Impactful Innings
Hardik Pandya showcased his remarkable skills with a blistering 28-ball innings. He scored 47 runs, featuring six fours and four sixes. His explosive batting helped India reach a total of 175 runs for six wickets.
India’s Batting Highlights
- Shubman Gill returned from injury but was dismissed for just 1 run.
- T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed 12 runs before being out.
- Abhishek Sharma contributed 17 runs as India slipped to 78 for 4.
- Axar Patel added 23 runs, and Shivam Dube scored 11 runs.
- Pandya, alongside Jitesh Sharma, scored 30 runs in the final two overs.
South Africa’s Struggles
In response, South Africa faced significant challenges. They recorded their lowest total in T20 history, scoring only 74 runs in 12.3 overs.
Key Moments in South Africa’s Innings
- Arshdeep Singh dismissed Quinton de Kock for a second-ball duck.
- Tristan Stubbs fell for just 14 runs, followed by Aiden Markram at 14.
- Dewald Brevis scored 22 before falling to Jasprit Bumrah, marking Bumrah’s 100th T20 wicket.
- David Miller was out for just 1 run, courtesy of Pandya’s first delivery.
India now leads the five-match series 1-0, preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka scheduled for February-March. The second match will take place on Thursday in New Chandigarh.
