Hardik Pandya reminded everyone why he is India’s most valuable player in T20I cricket as he produced a blistering 59 off just 28 balls to lift the hosts to 175 for 6 in the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack. On a surface that kept the batsmen guessing with extra bounce and movement, India were reeling at 104 for 5 in the 14th over when Pandya stepped in and changed the tone of the innings with remarkable clarity and power.
India’s innings got off to a poor start after Aiden Markram opted to field. Lungi Ngidi struck early to remove Shubman Gill and continued to cause problems through the powerplay, claiming two wickets in his opening spell. Abhishek Sharma, who looked the most fluid of the top order, fell soon after the fielding restrictions were lifted.
India vs South Africa 1st T20I: Live Updates
Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles extended as he managed just 12 and India found themselves three for 48 in seven overs. Tilak Varma’s 26 off 32 balls along with Axar Patel’s effort leveled the innings briefly, but both fell before resuming, leaving India vulnerable again.
When Pandya arrived, the situation called for acceleration. He responded with an innings that mixed poise with brutal hitting, reaching his fifty in just 25 balls. In the process, he achieved a major career milestone, becoming only the fourth Indian to hit 100 sixes in T20 Internationals. He joined an elite list with Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli. The landmark six came in trademark style, striking cleanly and emphatically into the stands.
Fans were quick to praise the all-rounder, calling him India’s true MVP for his consistent performances whenever the side is under pressure.
South Africa, who controlled most of the first exchanges, came under a lot of pressure in the dying moments. Anrich Nortje’s pace, usually his greatest asset, worked against him as Pandya repeatedly brought him down. Impressive till his final over, Lutho Sipamla also felt the heat when Pandya pulled anything from his strike arc.
India scored 71 runs in the last six overs, turning what looked like a subpar total into a competitive one. Ngidi remained South Africa’s outstanding bowler with three wickets while Marco Jansen held firm, but Pandya’s strike ensured India finished the innings with momentum.
Pandya’s unbeaten 59 with four fours and four sixes was not just an act of rescue but a statement of intent. At a time when India’s innings threatened to fall apart, he forced himself into the match with authority and purpose. South Africa may feel they conceded 10-15 runs too many, but India will enter the second half buoyed by their all-rounder’s decisive success.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 9, 2025
