Hardik Pandya scripted a stunning comeback as India thrashed South Africa by 101 runs, skittling the visitors for just 74 while defending 176 in the first T20I.
His all-round show turned the game into a one-sided affair and underlined just how vital he is to India’s balance in the shortest format.
Sent in to bat, India’s innings stuttered early as the top order failed to capitalise on the powerplay and South Africa’s seamers, led by Lungi Ngidi, found movement and discipline. Ngidi repeatedly hit a hard length, removed key batters and finished with three important wickets to leave India under pressure at the halfway stage. At 90 for 4, the hosts looked short of a par score on a decent batting surface.Hardik then took charge, walking in at a tricky moment and transforming the innings with a fearless yet measured counterattack.
He smashed 59 off just 29 balls, peppering the stands with four sixes and threading four crisp boundaries, but also showed maturity in picking the right bowlers and moments to attack. With smart strike rotation and powerful finishing, he shepherded India to 175 for 6 in their 20 overs, a total that suddenly looked imposing given the grip the pitch offered and the quality of India’s bowling attack.Chasing 176, South Africa never got going as India’s bowlers hit their lengths from the outset and kept relentless pressure on both edges of the bat.
Arshdeep Singh struck in the powerplay to open the floodgates, before Jasprit Bumrah’s pace and precision made scoring nearly impossible. In the middle overs, Varun Chakaravarthy used his variations cleverly to outfox the batters, while Axar Patel’s stump-to-stump accuracy produced two more crucial breakthroughs. Hardik chipped in with a wicket of his own, ensuring there was no way back for the visitors.