Post by : Badri Ariffin

In an impressive display of skill and determination, Hardik Pandya played a pivotal role for India as they trounced South Africa by 101 runs during the first T20I match in Cuttack on Tuesday. Coming in at a key moment, Pandya’s unbeaten 59 runs off just 28 balls propelled India to a solid total of 175/6, demonstrating his composure on a challenging track.

Entering the game during a critical moment, Pandya quickly accelerated the scoring, expertly combining power with finesse. His innings, marked by five boundaries and four massive sixes, formed the backbone of India's total, while valuable support came from Tilak Varma (26 runs off 32 balls) and Axar Patel (23 runs off 21 balls). The South African bowlers, particularly Lungi Ngidi, who took 3 wickets for 31 runs, struggled to cope with the onslaught.

The South African chase faltered early on, never building any significant momentum. Dewald Brevis offered brief hope with 22 runs from 14 balls before the team collapsed to 74 all out in merely 12.3 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel each claimed two wickets, with Pandya and Shivam Dube contributing as well.

Reflecting on his innings, Pandya noted the importance of instinctual play and adaptability. “I had to trust my shots and time the ball correctly. The pitch had its challenges, so it was about being strategic yet bold,” he explained, crediting months of dedicated training that prepared him for this moment. His focused effort at the National Cricket Academy over the past six to seven months proved crucial in achieving success in high-pressure scenarios.

With this decisive victory, India leads the five-match T20I series 1-0, setting a strong precedent for the upcoming games. Pandya’s all-around prowess—both with the bat and as a leader on the field—was instrumental in India’s emphatic win.

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