INDvsSA 1st T20I: Hardik Pandya Credits Instincts and Team-First ‘USP’ After Match-Winning Knock

Hardik Pandya produced a sensational all-round display to power India to a crushing 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I of the five-match series at Barabati Stadium on Tuesday night.

Walking in at a precarious 78 for 4, Pandya counterattacked with ruthless composure, smashing an unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes) to lift India to a competitive 175 for 6. His late onslaught, which included two audacious no-look sixes off Keshav Maharaj, transformed the innings and earned him the Player of the Match award on his return after a two-month injury layoff.

South Africa never recovered from the early blows in the chase and collapsed to their lowest-ever T20I total of 74 in 12.3 overs, handing India a 1-0 series lead.

Also Read: Former Coach WV Raman Highlights Issues in India’s Test Selection Strategy Under Gautam Gambhir

The Indian top order struggled against disciplined South African seam bowling, with Lungi Ngidi (3-31) and Lutho Sipamla (2-38) reducing the hosts to 78 for 4 by the 12th over. Pandya, however, shifted gears instantly, forging vital partnerships with Axar Patel (23 off 21) and Shivam Dube, peppering the mid-wicket and long-on regions with trademark power-hitting while rotating strike intelligently on a two-paced surface.

In the field, India’s bowlers were clinical. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah struck in the powerplay, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel strangled the middle overs, and Pandya himself sealed the deal by castling David Miller with his very first delivery. Bumrah also reached the milestone of 100 T20I wickets during the rout.

Speaking after the match, Pandya attributed his success to a team-first mentality, declaring, “I have always tried to put my team first. That is my biggest USP, and that has helped me.” He also revealed the hard yards put in during rehabilitation: “The last six-seven months have been great from a fitness point of view… these last 50 days at the NCA, away from loved ones, were satisfying when results come like this.”

With the comprehensive victory ending India’s winless streak against South Africa at Cuttack, the hosts now travel to New Chandigarh for the second T20I on December 11 carrying significant momentum, while the Proteas face an uphill task to stay alive in the series ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Also Read: India's WTC Final Chances Explained: Series Loss to South Africa Drops PCT to 48.15