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Cuttack, India – The Men in Blue announced their T20 World Cup intentions with a commanding 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I at the Barabati Stadium, but the headlines were owned by a returning hero and a historic bowling milestone.
Despite a wobbly start to their innings, India reached a competitive 175/6, thanks almost entirely to a blistering counter-attack from *Hardik Pandya. Returning from injury after a 74-day layoff, Pandya walked in with India’s innings stuttering and proceeded to unleash pure carnage. He smashed an unbeaten *59 off just 28 balls, featuring six fours and four towering sixes, which single-handedly hauled India to a commanding total.
Bumrah Joins Global Elite with Historic ‘Triple Century’
The night, however, gained global significance when pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah took the wicket of Dewald Brevis, securing his 100th T20I wicket. This feat made him the first Indian bowler in history—and only the fifth bowler worldwide—to register 100 or more wickets in all three international formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is), cementing his status as one of the game’s modern greats.
The South African chase then crumbled under relentless pressure. Arshdeep Singh set the tone with early wickets, and the entire Indian bowling unit, including spinners Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy (both 2 wickets), fired in unison.
The Proteas were humiliatingly skittled out for just *74 runs in 12.3 overs, registering their *lowest-ever total in T20 International cricket. The collective bowling brilliance, combined with Pandya’s power hitting (who was also named Player of the Match), secured India a statement 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
1st T20I: Full Match Scorecard Summary
INDIA175/6 (20.0 Overs)Hardik Pandya: 59* off 28 (SR 210.71)Lungi Ngidi: 3/31 (4.0 Overs) SOUTH AFRICA74 all out (12.3 Overs)Dewald Brevis: 22 off 14 (SR 157.14)Axar Patel: 2/7 (2.0 Overs)
Result: India won by 101 runs (South Africa’s lowest T20I total). Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya
Upcoming Match Details
The series now moves to the next venue for the second encounter.
Match: 2nd T20I, India vs South Africa
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh)
The Proteas will be desperate to bounce back after their humiliating defeat, while India will aim to carry their dominant momentum forward to take a 2-0 lead.
