Cuttack, (UNI) India’s Hardik Pandya marked a memorable return from injury with a match-winning innings of 59 not out off just 28 balls, leading India to a dominant 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I at the Barabati stadium here on Tuesday.
India had started cautiously, reduced to 78 for four in the 12th over. Tilak Varma’s laboured 26 off 32 balls had absorbed deliveries without threatening the scoreboard, while the pace of Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje kept India tethered. The Barabati spectators, usually vocal, settled into a tense quiet. That was until Hardik strode to the crease.
What followed was a display of audacity, timing, and sheer intent. Hardik’s first shot, a powerful six over long-on off Keshav Maharaj, signalled the arrival of the innings’ game-changer. He followed it immediately with another six, establishing dominance and sending a clear message that India were no longer restricted.
Hardik’s assault continued against Lutho Sipamla, as he effortlessly dispatched a short ball over the bowler’s head and lofted another over long-off, bringing India past 150. But the defining moment arrived in the 19th over, facing Nortje. A ball outside off, seemingly difficult to attack, was expertly sliced over third man for six. Two deliveries later, he muscled a length ball over mid-on for four, encapsulating his ability to combine power with timing.
By the time India reached 175 for six, Hardik had dominated the scoring with six fours and four sixes. Beyond the runs, it was his sense of timing, game awareness, and ability to turn pressure into momentum that made the innings special. Every boundary seemed premeditated yet instinctive, a reminder of Hardik’s ability to control and bend the game to his will.
South Africa’s chase never stood a chance. Quinton de Kock was dismissed for a duck, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Dewald Brevis top-scored with 22, but the rest of the batting lineup collapsed against India’s disciplined bowling.
Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets each, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel claimed two apiece, with Hardik also picking up a scalp. South Africa were bowled out for 74 in 12.3 overs.
Team selection drew attention as well. Sanju Samson, one of India’s promising T20 talents, was not required for this match. Many felt he deserved a chance, given that he has not been getting a long run in the side, unlike some others, and has been waiting for opportunities to stake a claim.
Hardik’s performance highlighted not only his batting prowess but also his role as a finisher and game-changer for India. With the team experimenting with its T20 batting order, his innings provided both reassurance and inspiration, cutting through uncertainty to assert India’s dominance.
For fans at Barabati Stadium, it was more than just a victory; it was a reminder of Hardik Pandya at his peak—unstoppable, instinctive, and fearless.
Scoreboard:
India: 175/6 (Hardik Pandya 59*, Tilak Varma 26)
South Africa: 74 all out in 12.3 overs (Dewald Brevis 22, Aiden Markram 14)
Bowling highlights: Arshdeep Singh 2/14, Jasprit Bumrah 2/17, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/19, Axar Patel 2/7, Hardik Pandya 1/16
India won by 101 runs.
