India Claim Dominant Victory Over South Africa in Thrilling T20 Opener
The Indian cricket team rode to a resounding 101-run victory over South Africa in their series opener at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, leaving the visitors reeling with their lowest-ever T20 total of 74.
A star-studded performance from Hardik Pandya saw him smash an unbeaten 59 off just 28 deliveries, as India rode to a comfortable 175-6. The all-rounder's devastating form, marked by four sixes and six fours, helped India rev up the hosts' innings from 78-4 in the 12th over.
South Africa, who lost the toss, never got their chase off the ground, succumbing to collapse from 45-3 to a meagre total of 74 in just 12.3 overs. The hosts' six bowlers came away with at least one wicket each, dealing a crushing blow to the visitors.
The win marked India's fifth consecutive T20 series victory against South Africa, following their previous ODI success earlier this year. This triumph comes on the back of a dominant performance in Test cricket, where India won the two-match series 2-0 against their South African counterparts.
In response to the rout, Pandya credited his shots and ability to time the ball for his heroics, stating that he needed to be "gutsy" with the pitch's "spice". The all-rounder expressed satisfaction with his batting form and praised his team for a job well done in the series opener.
The match serves as a curtain-raiser to India's upcoming T20 World Cup preparations in February.
The Indian cricket team rode to a resounding 101-run victory over South Africa in their series opener at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, leaving the visitors reeling with their lowest-ever T20 total of 74.
A star-studded performance from Hardik Pandya saw him smash an unbeaten 59 off just 28 deliveries, as India rode to a comfortable 175-6. The all-rounder's devastating form, marked by four sixes and six fours, helped India rev up the hosts' innings from 78-4 in the 12th over.
South Africa, who lost the toss, never got their chase off the ground, succumbing to collapse from 45-3 to a meagre total of 74 in just 12.3 overs. The hosts' six bowlers came away with at least one wicket each, dealing a crushing blow to the visitors.
The win marked India's fifth consecutive T20 series victory against South Africa, following their previous ODI success earlier this year. This triumph comes on the back of a dominant performance in Test cricket, where India won the two-match series 2-0 against their South African counterparts.
In response to the rout, Pandya credited his shots and ability to time the ball for his heroics, stating that he needed to be "gutsy" with the pitch's "spice". The all-rounder expressed satisfaction with his batting form and praised his team for a job well done in the series opener.
The match serves as a curtain-raiser to India's upcoming T20 World Cup preparations in February.
! 101 runs is insane on that small pitch... Hardik Pandya is a beast 
on his day, and he totally took it upon himself to lead the charge. South Africa was totally outplayed by India's bowlers - six wickets each? that's some serious pressure 
. I'm loving the way India's team is looking at the moment, all strengths aligned... can't wait for the T20 World Cup 
!
anyways gotta give credit to india for their team effort and to south africa, you guys didn't stand a chance 
but seriously, this win is gonna boost india's confidence going into the t20 world cup in february 
. The question is, are we willing to take that first step towards our own greatness? 
.
from pandya to rishab pant, every player is looking sharp 
the only thing that'll stop them now is a good team that can give them a challenge... but i think we're a long way off from that 
I mean, Pandya was on fire 
. They got bowled out for LESS than half the total runs India scored... what's going on over there? 
And all that talk about "spice" in the pitch, yeah no kidding 
Hardik's skills speak for themselves! He's like a T20 magician 
! 59 off 28 deliveries? That's insane! Interesting how he was able to time his shots so perfectly against the spice pitch... South Africa just got served 
. And what's up with Hardik Pandya's stats being plastered all over the page like he's some kind of hero 
. And the win itself is cool and all, but let's keep things in perspective here... it's just one game, folks! 
️. Those six wickets across 12 overs is some serious damage control.
! As a batsman, you gotta be willing to take risks and adapt to the conditions. And it looks like Hardik took those skills to the next level today 
. All in all, this win feels like just another step towards India's quest for T20 supremacy 
.
! I mean, 59 off 28 deliveries? That's insane! 
. Let's hope this momentum carries over into the T20 World Cup next month 
!
, not sure if they're gonna bounce back from this one. did anyone else think the pitch was pretty spicy? 
. its gonna be interesting to see how south africa bounce back from this thrashing... hopefully they can get their game plan together 
they were just way off from their target and didn't stand a chance against India's batting lineup 
. Maybe next time! 
anyway indian team is looking strong for t20 world cup this year 
️. But you know what's even more interesting? The way South Africa just got dismantled out there 