IND vs SA 1st T20I: India vs South Africa highlights and key performances

A massive win for India. Team India defeated South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Odisha by 101 runs. South Africa bundled for just 74 runs, the lowest ever score by them in the format.

Toss and the first innings:

South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first. Aiden Markram's decision to invite India to bat first was looking on point when the pacers of the touring team started to take wickets from the very first over of the match. The pitch of the ground was a little bit tricky to bat; the surface was not ideal for an all-attacking batting approach.

Indian batters were struggling until Hardik Pandya walked into the middle with the bat. It was his first match after the injury he received during the Asia Cup 2025. Pandya made his comeback memorable as he scored 59* (28). His innings was laced with six 4s and four 6s. Tilak Varma and Axar Patel tried to patiently build some momentum, but it was the Hardik Pandya show which brought the crowd in the gallery to their feet. India went to bat first and put 175/6 on the scoreboard.

Read More: Watch: Hardik Pandya hit two 6s in an over during IND vs SA 1st T20I match

Second Innings:

South Africa found themselves on the wrong foot instantly as Arshdeep Singh cleared Quinton de Kock from the crease on the second ball of the second innings. After a few moments, Tristan Stubbs also followed the path. It was only the beginning of a batting collapse. Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy claimed a brace each. Pandya and Shivam Dube took the rest. Seven South African batters were able to score only in single digits. Dewald Brevis with 22 runs was the highest run getter for them. Bumrah took the batter's wicket.

Key Performances:

1. Hardik Pandya's controlled batting

2. Indian bowlers performed as a unit.

3. instant impact by Arshdeep Singh

IND vs SA 1st T20I scorecard in brief

India: 175/6 (20)

South Africa: South Africa · 74 (12.3)