Cuttak: India kicked off their T20 World Cup build-up with a commanding victory on Tuesday night, thrashing South Africa by 101 runs in the opening T20I match at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Hardik Pandya’s explosive unbeaten 59 and a ruthless bowling display bundled out the visitors for just 74 — their lowest-ever total in the format.
Sent in to bat under challenging evening conditions, India initially struggled as the surface offered movement and grip to South Africa’s bowlers. But Pandya changed the momentum with a blistering unbeaten 59 from just 28 balls, smashing boundaries at will to lift India from a modest start to a competitive 175 for 6.
In reply, South Africa never recovered from early blows. Arshdeep Singh struck off the second delivery of his first over with the wicket of Quinton de Kock. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel struck inside the PowerPlay, while Varun Chakravarthy’s variations derailed any hopes of a rebuild. Dewald Brevis managed 22, but he found little support as wickets fell in a heap.
What followed was a collapse of stunning severity. India’s bowlers hunted in pairs, using pace, turn and bounce to dismantle the South African lineup in just 15.4 overs. Axar Patel’s 2 for 7, Chakravarthy’s tight spell of 2 for 19 and Bumrah’s 2 for 17 highlighted a disciplined all-round effort, while fielders stayed sharp despite the dew. Pandya was declared player of the match.
