Bhubaneswar: South Africa slumped to their lowest T20 International total on Sunday, bowled out for just 74, as India sealed a massive 101-run victory in the opening match of the series at Barabati Stadium. The historic collapse came after Hardik Pandya staged a remarkable batting rescue, turning what could have been a modest Indian score into a dominant match-winning total.
India’s innings looked in trouble early, with Shubman Gill falling in the very first over. But Pandya changed the course of the match with a blistering 59 not out off just 28 deliveries, striking at more than 200 and dragging India close to 180 almost single-handedly. His partnership with Shivam Dube steadied India before the latter departed attempting a slog.
Once the ball changed hands, India’s bowlers dismantled South Africa in ruthless fashion. Every bowler contributed as the visitors kept losing wickets in clusters. Jasprit Bumrah bagged his 100th T20I wicket in dramatic fashion—replays appeared to show a possible overstep, but the third umpire ruled it legal, dismissing Dewald Brevis, South Africa’s last recognised batter. Bumrah struck again in the same over, while Axar Patel removed another wicket moments later, hastening the inevitable finish.
South Africa’s early promise quickly turned into a collapse, with the side being shot out inside 17 overs and conceding a heavy defeat. The win gives India a commanding 1–0 lead in the five-match series and underlines a powerful comeback after mixed red-ball performances earlier in the tour.
-OdishaAge
