Hardik Pandya’s All-Round Brilliance Sinks South Africa
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Cuttack
- Dec 09, 2025
- 450
Hardik Pandya delivered a masterclass in all-round excellence as India dismantled South Africa by a commanding 101-run margin in the opening T20 International at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
On a surface that consistently tested batting technique and shot selection, Pandya stood apart with an innings of striking authority. Walking in at No. 6 with India reeling at 78 for four, he transformed the complexion of the contest through a scintillating unbeaten 59 off just 28 deliveries. It was his first international appearance since the Asia Cup, yet he displayed not a hint of competitive rust, striking the ball with pristine timing and audacious intent.
Pandya’s assault on Anrich Nortje epitomised his dominance. Advancing down the pitch to a 145 kmph delivery, he launched it straight back over the bowler’s head for six. Moments later, he deftly used the pace of a sharp short ball, guiding it over third man with effortless disdain. The innings, adorned with four sixes and six boundaries, was a testament to Pandya’s rare clarity under pressure.
India’s remaining batters struggled to impose themselves, managing a combined 103 runs from 92 balls. Tilak Varma and Axar Patel failed to convert promising starts, while Abhishek Sharma fell for 17. Lungi Ngidi was incisive with the new ball, claiming three wickets, while Marco Jansen and Lutho Sipamla exercised commendable control.
Pandya’s influence extended seamlessly into the bowling innings. Introduced immediately after the powerplay, he struck with his first delivery, removing his former IPL teammate David Miller. Prior to that, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel had already inflicted decisive early damage, reducing South Africa to 45 for three within the first six overs.
Arshdeep extracted appreciable movement to dismiss Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs, setting the tone for a relentless Indian onslaught. In the middle overs, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel combined guile and discipline to claim four wickets, further strangling South Africa’s chase. Jasprit Bumrah, wicketless in his opening spell, returned with renewed venom to snare two wickets in his third over, including that of top-scorer Dewald Brevis (22), and in the process became only the second Indian after Arshdeep Singh to reach the milestone of 100 T20 International wickets.
Shivam Dube accounted for the final wicket as South Africa were bowled out for 74 in just 12.3 overs, sealing a thoroughly dominant start for India in the series.