With Hardik Pandya’s incredible comeback knock of 59 runs, not out and a crucial wicket, India defeated South Africa by 101 runs.
In India’s massive run margin win, Indian bowlers split the spoils, with Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Axar Patel each taking two wickets with tight spells as the SA collapsed under persistent pressure with a steady flow of wickets.
India’s innings struggled early: Abhishek Sharma fell just after the powerplay, and Tilak Varma contributed 26 off 32 balls. and Suryakumar Yadav continued his out of form 12 run, leaving India three down and under pressure. Shubman Gill’s early dismissal added to the woes.
India reached a defending total of 175/6 in their 20 overs with the loss of 5 wickets. Kudos to the master blaster Hardik Pandya’s flashy 59-run unbeatable knock off 29 balls, with controlled blitz, full of responsibility while smashing four sixes and six boundaries.
Chasing the big total of 175 runs, SA collapsed for 74 runs all out in 12.3 overs, with Dewald Brevis (22) emerging as the top scorer.
It was SA’s lowest-ever score in T20I cricketing history. Bowler Lungi Ngidi of South Africa was the successful bowler by taking three crucial wickets of Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma.
South Africa T20 squad captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to field.
Player Of The Match : Hardik Pandya
Teams:
South Africa (Playing XI):
Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje
India (Playing XI):
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
Match Details :
Tournament : SOUTH AFRICA TOUR OF INDIA T20 SERIES 2025
Match : India vs South Africa
Toss : South Africa Won The Toss And Elected To Field
Venue : Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
On-Field Umpires : Madanagopal Jayaraman, Virender Kumar Sharma
Third Umpire : Kn Ananthapadmanabhan
Referee : Richard Benjamin Richardson