India triumphed over South Africa by 101 runs in the first T20 International held in Cuttack on Wednesday. This victory was highlighted by Hardik Pandya’s remarkable performance, which saw him make a powerful return to the national team following a two-month injury absence.
Pandya’s notable contribution came as he scored a rapid-fire fifty after Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 78-4. He ultimately finished with an impressive unbeaten score of 59 runs off just 28 balls, striking four sixes and six fours, which allowed India to reach a competitive total of 175-6 in their allotted overs.
In response, South Africa experienced a disastrous batting collapse, succumbing to a mere 74 runs, marking their lowest total in T20 history. The Indian bowling attack was relentless, with all six bowlers managing to claim wickets throughout the innings.
After being awarded the player of the match, Pandya remarked, “I had to back my shots. I realized the wicket had a bit of spice. I had to be a bit gutsy. It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting.”
This victory not only sets a positive tone for India in the T20 series but also showcases the depth and resilience of their team, especially with the return of key players like Pandya. The Indian side will be looking to maintain this momentum in the upcoming matches.
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