India delivered a sensational performance in the first T20I (India vs South Africa) of the five-match series against South Africa at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, defeating the Proteas by a massive 101-run margin. Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 175/6 in 20 overs, powered by Hardik Pandya’s explosive 59 off 28 balls.
Despite early setbacks with Shubman Gill (4) and Suryakumar Yadav (12) falling cheaply, India recovered through key contributions from Tilak Varma (26), Axar Patel (23), and Pandya, whose innings proved decisive. Shivam Dube (11) and Jitesh Sharma (10*) provided valuable support in the final overs, helping India set a challenging target.
In response, South Africa’s batting lineup crumbled completely, being bowled out for just 74 in 12.3 overs—marking their lowest-ever T20I total. Arshdeep Singh (2/14), Jasprit Bumrah (2/17), Varun Chakravarthy (2/19), Axar Patel (2/7), Hardik Pandya (1/16), and Shivam Dube (1/1) shared the wickets, while Quinton de Kock was dismissed for a duck in the first over, setting the tone for the Proteas’ collapse.
The match also saw Jasprit Bumrah reach a major milestone, claiming his 100th T20I wicket and becoming the first Indian bowler to take at least 100 international wickets across all three formats.
This dominant win gives Suryakumar Yadav-led India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The second T20I will also be played at Cuttack, giving the hosts an excellent start in the contest.
An emphatic win in the #INDvSA T20I series opener 🥳#TeamIndia register a 1⃣0⃣1⃣-run victory in Cuttack to go 1⃣-0⃣ up 🙌
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/tiemfwcNPh@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/mw3oxC5AHw
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 9, 2025