Powered by an explosive half-century from Hardik Pandya and a ruthless bowling performance that collapsed the hosts for 74, India produced an authoritative all-round show to thrash South Africa by 101 runs in the series-opening T20I.

India's Innings: Hardik Pandya Leads with Fiery 59

India had a wobbly start during the powerplay, reaching 40/2 in the first six overs, with two quick wickets falling. The struggle continued as they reached 50 in 6.6 overs, with all the pressure on the middle order.

Tilak Varma, 23, and Axar Patel, 10, tried to rebuild the innings as India reached 71/3 at the 10-over mark. Runs were hard-earned, but the momentum shifted when Hardik Pandya launched a powerful counterattack.

India crossed 100 in 13.5 overs, and Pandya's aggressive strokeplay changed the complexion of the innings. Smashing a brilliant 50 off just 25 balls, with 5 fours and 4 sixes, he set the stadium on fire.

With powerful support from Jitesh Sharma (10*), India marched to a competitive total of:

India – 175/6 in 20 overs

Hardik Pandya: 59

Tilak Varma: 23,

Extras: 13

South Africa's Innings: Collapse Under Pressure

Chasing 176, South Africa started off well, amassing 45 in the Powerplay, but they lost three vital wickets during the period. A turning point came in the 2.3 over when India took up a review against Tristan Stubbs, with the umpire’s call being upheld to add onto SA’s early woes.

The visitors managed to reach 50 in 6.6 overs, but their innings went downhill fast. At the 10-over drinks break, the scoreboard read 68/6, with Dewald Brevis fighting a lone battle with 22 runs.

No space for recovery was given, as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals from this relentless Indian bowling attack.

Eventually, South Africa was bowled out for just 74, collapsing spectacularly as India's bowlers wrapped up the innings inside 10 overs after the break.

Result

India won by 101 runs.

A dominant performance with bat and ball handed India a 1–0 lead in the series.

Man of the Match: Hardik Pandya MOTM For his matchwinning 59 off 25 balls, setting up India's massive total.