Team India registered a thumping 101-run victory over South Africa in the first T20I of the five-match series at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on Tuesday (December 9).
Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue posted a formidable total of 175/6 in 20 overs, thanks to Hardik Pandya’s whirlwind 59 not out off 28 balls.
Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming three wickets by conceding 31 runs in his four overs.
In reply, the Proteas innings folded for a paltry 74 in 12.3 overs. It was a listless batting display from the tourists as no one managed to touch the 30-run mark.
All the Indian bowlers used by skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed to claim at least one wicket. While the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh took wickets each, the spin twin of Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel bagged a couple of scalps as well.
Seam-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube also troubled the South African batters, returning with wicket apiece.
Cricket fraternity was all praises for Hardik Pandya and the Indian bowling unit for delivering a ruthless performance in the T20I series opener.
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