India beat South Africa by 101 runs in the first match of the T20I Series in Cuttack. Hardik Pandya was the star of the show as his knock of 59* helped India to post 175 runs on the board, riding on the all-rounder’s brilliance. It looked a par score at the halfway stage as the pitch was a bit two paced and even with due taking place the game was in balance. But in reply, South Africa were bowled out for just 74 which is their lowest ever total in T20Is as India managed a big victory to take an early 1-0 lead in the series.
India were put into bat and with Shubman Gill making a much anticipated return he was dismissed cheaply for 4 and India lost three wickets early. But Hardik Pandya’s clutch knock anchored India’s innings as the team rose from 50/3 to finish at 175/6 at the end of their 20-over quota. As for the visitors, Marco Jansen showed a brilliant fielding display and took some magnificent catches, though he went wicketless. Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas as he finished with 3-31, while Sipamla and Donovan Ferreira picked two and one wicket apiece.
South Africa were poor in the chase losing Quinton de kock in the opening over against Arshdeep. Stubbs played a few good shots but soon he was dismissed and South Africa were 40/3. Once spinners came in they stumbled to 50/5 and the innings went no where. All bowlers did very well for India and were among the wickets column.
South Africa were bowled out for just 74 which is their lowest ever score in a match. India won the match by 101 runs and Hardik Pandya was the player of the match. India take a 1-0 lead in the series with four matches left and South Africa will be keen to bounce back.
