 "'Talk about teamwork': Pandya, bowlers star in India's dominant 101-run victory over South Africa in Cuttack")
Team India began their final preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in dominant fashion on Tuesday, thrashing South Africa by 101 runs in the opening game of the five-match T20I series in Cuttack. Hardik Pandya struck a 25-ball half-century to help the Men in Blue recover from a shaky start and post a competitive 175/6 on the board after South Africa won the toss and opted to field.
That was followed by a clinical bowling performance by the hosts in which four bowlers helped themselves to a couple of wickets each – none of them going at more than seven an over – and all six bowlers utilised by India collecting at least one wicket.
India’s bowling unit delivers collective red-hot performance
India needed early strikes to defend 175 at Barabati, where dew was expected to become an issue later in the South African innings. And that’s exactly what Arshdeep Singh did, getting rid of Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs in successive overs in the powerplay.
Jasprit Bumrah later struck twice in his third over after being brought back in the 11th over, getting rid of Dewald Brevis and Keshav Maharaj for 22 and 0 respectively. The former was South Africa’s last hope of getting close to the Indian target, and his dismissal not only extinguished Aiden Markram and Co’s hopes of going 1-0 up in the five-match series, it also helped the senior paceman collect his 100th T20I wicket.
South Africa had earlier begun on an impressive note with the ball, with Lungi Ngidi (3/31) striking thrice in as many overs and fellow pacer Lutho Sipamla (2/38) also helping himself to a couple of wickets. The Proteas had dismissed the Indian top-order cheaply with vice-captain Shubman Gill, returning from a neck injury, lasting just two balls.
The Men in Blue were staring at the prospect of struggling to reach 160. Pandya’s late burst, along with handy contributions from Tilak Varma (26) and Axar Patel (23) ensured the Indians ended their innings on a high and gave their bowlers enough cushion to eke out a victory.
Quick Reads
View AllHere’s how former cricketers and other experts as well as fans reacted to India’s clinical performance in Cuttack:
Such a vital cog in India’s line up. So good to see @hardikpandya7 back, set up a thumping win on a tricky pitch. Well played 👏 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/Lsd6h1xLSm
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 9, 2025
A fantastic start for India in the 1st T20 vs South Africa. Brilliant fifty by @hardikpandya7 and outstanding spells from @arshdeepsinghh, @Jaspritbumrah93, @chakaravarthy29 & @akshar2026. @BCCI pic.twitter.com/gY9P5OlZeY
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) December 9, 2025
In case you missed it 🥳🙌
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 9, 2025
Bowlers knew the assignment! #WhistlePodu #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/CyGPFJajBT
Talk about teamwork 🙌🇮🇳#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/3SLYFYl09I
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 9, 2025
when the top order has collapsed
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) December 9, 2025
Hardik Pandya with his sharp sixes: #IndvsSa pic.twitter.com/YhAkQycp9W
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