MUMBAI : India’s innings was anchored by a blistering knock from Hardik Pandya, whose 59 off 29 balls, featuring four sixes and four boundaries, lifted the side from early pressure to a respectable 175/6. The comeback man showcased composure and controlled aggression, reaffirming his importance ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Lungi Ngidi was South Africa’s standout bowler with three crucial wickets, exposing India’s shaky start. Abhishek Sharma fell just after the powerplay, Tilak Varma managed a grinding 26 off 32 balls, and Suryakumar Yadav’s lean run continued with a modest 12. Shubman Gill, returning from a neck injury, also departed early, raising questions about India’s evolving top-order combinations.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to field, as India benched Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav to make room for strategic adjustments. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent from the squad, the responsibility fell on India’s younger core to deliver.
The chase, however, quickly spiraled out of control for the Proteas. Varun Chakaravarthy applied the choke with a brilliant double strike, reducing South Africa to five down and deepening the crisis as the 176-run target drifted out of reach.
The defining moment came from Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed his 100th T20I wicket in bizarre fashion. Replays suggested an overstep, but the third umpire ruled the delivery legal, sending Dewald Brevis back and effectively ending South Africa’s hopes. Bumrah struck again moments later, triggering a collapse that left the visitors down to their final two wickets. Axar Patel added to the damage in the following over, tightening India’s grip.
South Africa, despite receiving a timely boost from the return of tearaway quick Anrich Nortje, faltered with the bat. Their power-packed line-up, featuring Brevis, Stubbs, Markram and the in-form Marco Jansen, crumbled under sustained pressure, eventually folding 101 runs short.
The victory also reflects India’s intent to fine-tune their World Cup squad early. Hardik’s versatile impact, Bumrah’s search for consistency, and Gill’s comeback are all subplots that will shape the team’s path as the tournament approaches.
India triumphed over South Africa by 101 runs in the T20I opener, with Hardik Pandya's explosive 59 off 29 balls setting the tone. Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah's pivotal bowling performances dismantled the Proteas' chase, highlighting India's strategic depth and readiness for the upcoming T20 World Cup.