Hardik Pandya’s all-round brilliance powered India to a commanding 101-run win over South Africa in the first T20I at the Barabati Stadium, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Defending 176, India struck early as Arshdeep Singh removed Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs inside three overs. Axar Patel and Hardik added crucial breakthroughs, triggering a collapse as South Africa folded for their lowest T20I total of 74. Earlier, Pandya’s unbeaten 59, supported by Tilak Varma and late cameos, lifted India to a competitive 175/6 on a tricky surface. Bumrah also reached his 100th T20I wicket milestone.