Hardik Pandya’s Blitz and Ruthless Bowling Power India to 101-Run Demolition of South Africa

 

India reaffirmed their dominance in the shortest format of the game. Since becoming T20 World Champions in 2024, they have lost only four matches — and on Tuesday in Cuttack, Suryakumar Yadav’s men once again showed why. At the Barabati Stadium, India crushed South Africa by 101 runs in a completely one-sided contest, bowling the visitors out for a paltry 74.

India lost the toss once again, and as expected, South Africa opted to bowl first. The start was shaky for the hosts. Vice-captain Shubman Gill fell in the opening over, continuing his lean patch in T20Is. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also failed to get going. Reduced to 17 for 2, India were under pressure. Tilak Varma and Axar Patel tried to rebuild but couldn’t lift the scoring rate.

That responsibility fell on Hardik Pandya, and he embraced it with authority. Walking in at 78 for 4, Hardik counterattacked brilliantly, smashing a blistering 59 off just 28 balls. His innings, studded with six fours and four towering sixes, single-handedly powered India to a competitive 175.

Given the dew factor in Cuttack, defending the total looked challenging — but India’s bowlers shattered that assumption within minutes. Arshdeep Singh struck early by removing de Kock, and the procession never stopped. Markram, Stubbs, Miller, Ferreira — all fell cheaply, as South Africa collapsed under relentless pressure. Only Brevis (22) crossed twenty.

South Africa’s batting was rushed, panicked, and directionless, leading to a stunning collapse: 74 all out in just 12.3 overs.

India’s bowlers were outstanding. Arshdeep, Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each, while Hardik and Dube bagged one apiece. Jasprit Bumrah also reached a historic milestone, becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets, completing the unique feat of a wicket century in all three formats.

It was a statement win — emphatic, ruthless, and worthy of a world champion side.


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