IND vs SA 1st T20 Highlights: India Defeat South Africa By 101 Runs To Lead Series 1-0
Catch India vs South Africa 1st T20I highlights from Barabati Stadium, Cuttack: Suryakumar Yadav leads with Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Tilak Varma in action.
Background
India vs South Africa 1st T20I Live Score: Following the conclusion of the Test and ODI series, India and South Africa are gearing up for a five-match T20I series, which...More
South Africa's chase never got going as they were under immense pressure from the get-go.
Hardik Pandya's quick-fire 59 powered India to a 175-run total that was too much for the Proteas. They lost wickets at regular intervals on a night where every single bowler got a wicket.
The visitors were bowled out on 74 runs, losing the match by a whopping 101 runs. They will look to bounce back in the second T20I, while India would look to carry on with the same momentum.
Shivam Dube dismisses Sipamla to register a 101-run win for India in Cuttack!
South Africa are reeling at 73/9 as the match is all but done. They need 103 runs more to win in 8 overs, an impossible ask with no established batsmen left in the lineup.
Axar Patel rattles Nortje's stumps to secure his second and bring down South Africa's 9th wicket.
The score - 72/9 after 11.2 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah strikes again to get rid of Keshav Maharaj. Short ball delivered on the body line catches the batsman by surprise.
South Africa - 70/8 after 10.5 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah secures the wicket of Dewald Brevis. A miscued shot went straight up in the air, caught by the Indian captain.
South Africa don't have anymore established batsmen left.
Half of the second innings are done with South Africa on 68/6. They still require 108 runs to win, but don't have enough left in the tank anymore, except Brevis, who continues to fight.
Jansen hit Varun Chakaravarthy for a six, only to be bowled on the very next delivery. South Africa's last recognized batting pair has been broken up.
They are now 68/6 as the drinks break is called on.
Marco Jansen has been dealing in boundaries on this tour, providing another fine example of this with a six off Varun Chakaravarthy.
Marco Jansen takes on Hardik Pandya for six lofted over the covers. The bowler looks frustrated as he concedes 11 in the over.
South Africa - 61/5 after 9 overs.
Dewald Brevis flicks Hardik Pandya for a four, targeting the massive gap down on the leg side.
An excellent over from Varun Chakaravarthy. No runs conceded, plus the wicket of Donovan Ferreira.
South Africa - 50/5 after after 8 overs.
Half of the South African batting lineup is now back in the dugout. Varun Chakaravarthy gets rid of Donovan Ferreira, thanks to a faint edge caught by Jitesh Sharma.
The score - 50/5 after 7.2 overs.
The turbulent South African innings has reached the 50-run mark. They now need 126 runs more to win with 13 overs to go.
Donovan Ferreira takes on Hardik Pandya, hitting him for a four down the ground.
A dream return for Hardik Pandya. First a half-century, and now a wicket on his very first ball, dismissing David Miller!
South Africa - 45/4 after 6.1 overs.
South Africa finish their Power Play with a four, reaching the score of 45/3 after 6 overs.
Axar Patel castles Aiden Markram on 14 runs. India clearly with the upper hand in the second innings so far.
South Africa - 40/3 after 5.1 overs.
South Africa rack up more boundaries, accelerating their innings as the Power Play draws to a close.
The score - 40/2 after 5 overs.
Dewald Brevis threads the gap for a four, taking on India's mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Expensive from Jasprit Bumrah as Markram manages a four and a six against the Indian fast-bowling ace.
South Africa - 28/2 after 4 overs.
Aiden Markram edges, but the ball flies past Abhishek Sharma in the slips and races to the boundary.
South Africa - 22/2 after 3.1 overs.
Two early blows for South Africa as they chase 176 runs against India in Cuttack. Dewald Brevis is now in the middle with Aiden Markam, both of which had a productive ODI series.
The score - 18/2
EDGED! Tristan Stubbs has to walk back after scoring 14 runs. Arshdeep gets his second of the night.
The score - 16/2 after 2.3 overs.
Caught-behind appeal against Stubbs off Arshdeep but the umpire isn't convinced.
Suryakumar Yadav asks for a DRS review.
Scrambled seam pitched up, driven right back by Tristan Stubbs for an effortless four.
No wickets but 5 runs from Jasprit Bumrah's first over.
South Africa - 11/1
Shivam Dube jumps to catch the ball close to the boundary, but has to throw it back in as the momentum guides him over the ropes.
Could have been a wicket, but the acrobatic effort saved a sure-shot six.
Interesting first over of the chase, marked with a wicket as well as a boundary for South Africa as the score stands 6/1.
Pitched up and driven through the covers for a four! First boundary of the match for the Proteas.
The score - 6/1 after 0.4 overs.
Tristan Stubbs gets himself and South Africa off the mark with a double.
Arshdeep Singh gets rid of Quinton de Kock on a duck. Caught by Abhishek Sharma in the slips as the out-swinging ball nicked an edge off the South African's bat.
Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram kick off South Africa's 176-run chase. Arshdeep Singh opens the bowling for India, no runs off the first ball.
Hardik Pandya’s brilliant fifty proved to be the backbone of India’s innings as the team posted a competitive total of 175/6.
Displaying a mix of power and precision, Pandya dominated South African bowlers, timing his shots beautifully and finding the boundary at crucial moments. His knock kept India firmly in the contest, giving the team momentum heading into the final overs and a total that could prove challenging for the visitors to chase.
Hardik Pandya reaches his half-century in style - with a towering six! He has singlehandedly kept India in the fight with a sensational knock under pressure. A short ball outside off was all the invitation he needed; he waited on it, opened the face, and sliced it over third man to bring up a brilliant fifty.
Cuttack crowd erupts - and deservedly so.
India end the 19th over on a high! Hardik Pandya controlled most of the scoring in the over with a composed single, a powerful six, and a well-timed four. Then, on the final ball, Jitesh Sharma unleashed a cracking six to cap off an excellent penultimate over for India.
India: 163/6
Jitesh Sharma: 9(4), Hardik Pandya: 48(23)
India manage to collect valuable runs despite an early setback in the over. A wide, a few singles, and a crucial boundary from Hardik Pandya help keep the scoreboard moving as India push toward a competitive finish.
India: 145/6
Hardik Pandya: 37(19), Jitesh Sharma: 2(2)
A massive moment in the death overs! Shivam Dube goes for a big swing but misses completely, and Ferreira strikes timber with a full, straight delivery. India lose a well-set finisher at a crucial stage, putting added pressure on Hardik to carry the innings through.
India: 137/6 (17.1)
Hardik Pandya: 32(16)
A controlled over for India as Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube keep the scoreboard moving. Dube cracks a boundary early in the over, but South Africa pull things back with tight lines thereafter. India are holding steady as they prepare for a final overs surge.
India: 137/5
Shivam Dube: 11(8), Hardik Pandya: 32(16)
India continue to accelerate as Shivam Dube finds his rhythm, cracking two well-timed boundaries in the over. With Dube joining Hardik in upping the scoring rate, the partnership is beginning to look dangerous for South Africa. India appear to be setting up for a big finish in the final four overs.
India: 131/5
Shivam Dube: 10(6), Hardik Pandya: 27(12)
After a period of rebuilding, India finally find some momentum courtesy of Hardik Pandya’s clean hitting. The over swings dramatically with a boundary, a five-wide error from South Africa, and another crisp four to close it out. Hardik’s counter-attack has shifted the tempo, easing the pressure that had been building through the middle overs. Shivam Dube has just joined him at the crease as India look to accelerate.
India: 121/5
Hardik Pandya: 26(11)
Shivam Dube: 1(1)
Sipamla delivers a perfect response - after being hit for a six earlier in the over, he strikes back immediately to dismiss Axar Patel. Axar tried to guide a short ball outside off towards backward point, but ended up carving it straight to Donovan Ferreira, who held a clean reverse-cup catch. Another set batter departs, adding to India’s struggles on a slow surface.
The 12th over sees India trying to rebuild after the fall of Tilak Varma. Singles are taken at regular intervals to keep the scoreboard moving. Hardik Pandya walks in, looking to provide stability and accelerate the innings. Axar Patel continues to rotate the strike, keeping India slightly ahead despite the slow, tricky surface.
India: 80/4
Axar Patel 14(14), Hardik Pandya 1(1)
Tilak Varma’s innings comes to an end as he attempts a risky shot but mistimes it straight to Marco Jansen, who takes a sharp catch. India loses another key batter just as they were trying to stabilize the innings. The scoreboard shows impact of South Africa’s disciplined bowling on a slow, tricky surface.
India: 78/4
Tilak Varma 26(32), Axar Patel 12(11)
The 11th over brings mixed fortunes for India. Singles and a wide help the scoreboard tick, but a wicket puts pressure back on the batters. Tilak Varma keeps the innings moving with a couple of well-placed singles, while Axar Patel continues to rotate the strike efficiently. South Africa maintains control with disciplined bowling, making scoring tough on the slow surface.
India: 76/4
Tilak Varma 25(30), Axar Patel 12(11)
South Africa’s bowlers have done a commendable job on a slow, tacky surface. The ball isn’t coming onto the bat cleanly, making timing difficult for the Indian batters. Singles and boundaries have been hard to come by, and India has had to work hard for every run, struggling to settle against the disciplined bowling attack.
The tenth over sees Tilak Varma unleash a massive six, giving India a big boost in the middle of the innings. The rest of the over produces a mix of singles and dot balls, but Varma’s powerful strike eases the scoreboard pressure. Axar Patel keeps the strike rotating with a single, helping India maintain momentum after early setbacks.
India: 71/3
Tilak Varma 23(27), Axar Patel 10(8)
The ninth over proves productive for India as singles and doubles keep the momentum going. Tilak Varma nudges the ball into gaps, while Axar Patel accelerates with quick scoring, reaching 9 runs off just 7 balls. A wide delivery adds an extra to the total, keeping the pressure on South Africa.
India: 63/3
Tilak Varma 16(22), Axar Patel 9(7)
The eighth over sees India focus on consolidating after the loss of Abhishek Sharma. Singles come regularly from both ends, with Tilak Varma nudging the ball into gaps and rotating the strike efficiently. Axar Patel contributes with a quick single, helping India keep the scoreboard moving without taking undue risks.
India: 54/3
Tilak Varma 14(20), Axar Patel 3(3)
Momentum takes a hit for India as Abhishek Sharma attempts to guide a slower ball toward fine leg but mistimes it. Marco Jansen covers a lot of ground and executes a stunning diving catch, leaving Sharma walking back disappointed. Just as India looked to build some rhythm, another wicket brings them under pressure.
India: 45/3
Tilak Varma 11(14)
The sixth over belongs to Tilak Varma, who steps up with two crisp boundaries, easing the pressure on India after the early wickets. The other deliveries are kept tight by South Africa, but Varma’s timing and placement ensure that the run rate improves steadily. Abhishek Sharma plays a watchful role at the other end, rotating strike and holding the innings together.
India: 40/2
Tilak Varma 11(14), Abhishek Sharma 9(9)
The fifth over brings a steady flow of runs for India. Tilak Varma rotates the strike with singles, while Abhishek Sharma keeps the pressure on the bowlers. A boundary at the start sets the tone, but the rest of the deliveries are well fielded by South Africa, restricting big hits. The pair look to build a stable platform after early wickets.
India: 32/2
Tilak Varma 3(8), Abhishek Sharma 9(9)
The over starts with drama as Abhishek Sharma goes for a cut but misses the ball, which swings away. Quinton de Kock dives to stop it but fails, and the ball races to the boundary for four. A mix of luck and skill keeps the scoreboard ticking for India, giving them a positive start to the over.
India: 30/2
Abhishek Sharma 12(8), Tilak Varma 2(4)
The fourth over sees India gradually build momentum. Abhishek Sharma continues his aggressive approach with a powerful six over the mid-wicket.
A productive over for India with another six from Abhishek Sharma, helping the team inch forward despite the early wickets.
India: 26/2
Abhishek Sharma 8(7), Tilak Varma 2(4)
Abhishek Sharma hits a towering six over deep mid-wicket, responding brilliantly and giving India some much-needed momentum.
India: 25/2
Abhishek Sharma 7(5), Tilak Varma 1(2)
A rollercoaster over for India - runs come in bursts with a boundary and a six, but a wicket keeps the scoreboard tight. The openers try to steady the innings.
India: 18/2
Tilak Varma 1(2), Abhishek Sharma 1(3)
Suryakumar Yadav goes for a big shot but is caught by Markram off Ngidi. Another early wicket adds pressure on India’s innings.
India: 17/2
Abhishek Sharma 1(3), Suryakumar Yadav 12(11)
Suryakumar Yadav comes down the track and smashes a boundary followed by a six, taking the pressure off India and giving the innings a much-needed boost.
India: 17/1
Suryakumar Yadav 12(6), Abhishek Sharma 1(3)
Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen starts his spell with a disciplined over, conceding just a single run. The Indian openers cautiously rotate the strike, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
India: 7/1
Suryakumar Yadav 2(7), Abhishek Sharma 1(3)
A mixed start for India - Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav rotate the strike well, with a boundary in the over, but the loss of Shubman Gill has put early pressure on the innings.
The first over goes for 6 runs: 1, 4, W, 1, 0, 0. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav are at the crease.
Score: 6/1 (1 over)
Abhishek Sharma 1(3), Suryakumar Yadav 1(1)
Shubman Gill hits a boundary but is immediately dismissed! On the second ball of the over, he charges down the track to a length delivery from Ngidi, mistimes a lofted shot, and is caught by Marco Jansen.
Score: 5/1 (0.3 overs)
Wicket: S Gill c Marco Jansen b Ngidi 4(2)
Abhishek Sharma takes strike as Shubman Gill looks on. South Africa’s Ngidi will open the attack for the visitors.
Score: 1/0 (0.1 over)
The Indian openers step out to the crease as South Africa takes their positions in the field.
Score: 0/0 (0 overs)
Shubman Gill: I’m definitely fine. My body feels perfectly fine. I spent a bit of time at the COE and I’m perfectly fine physically, and mentally feeling ready.
The big names missing out in India's playing XI for IND vs SA 1st T20I are Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana.
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.
After the toss, Suryakumar Yadav said: We were a little confused looking at the wicket, it was looking a bit greener yesterday. Happy to bat first, want to make the most of it and defend. It becomes a little challenging for the bowlers, it is going to remain for a really long time. Let's not think about it, have it as a challenge. We had a good series in Australia, now we play against South Africa and then against New Zealand. It's good preparation. Want to enjoy it.
India have 10 T20Is remaining before the crucial home T20 World Cup. The team’s choices during this series will be key, as they aim to transition from a phase of experimentation to one of consistency.
South Africa Opts To Bowl First Against India In Series Opener
Anrich Nortje is getting ready to play, and if selected, it will mark his first T20I appearance since the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India.
Abhishek Sharma has had a stellar year, scoring 756 runs in 17 matches at an average of 47.25, including one century and five half-centuries, with a top score of 135.
India enter the series as strong favourites, having won their last six T20I bilateral series under Gautam Gambhir, who took over after last year’s successful T20 World Cup campaign.
India lost the Test series against South Africa, but then bounced back with a 2-1 triumph over them in ODIs.
The reins of the national team are now with Suryakumar Yadav. The challenge will be significant, but he has won all bilateral series ever since being appointed as India's T20 skipper last year.
Here is a look at India and South Africa's full squads for this 5-match T20I series:
IND - Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar
SA - Aiden Markram, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs
The Men in Blue have only played three T20Is at this venue, with the last one held a few years ago.
Out of these fixtures, they have only won a single match, played against Sri Lanka in 2017. The two that they lost were, notably, against South Africa, in 2015 and 2022.
The first India vs South Africa T20I of the series is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM IST.
The toss, as per general trends, should then be conducted at around 6:30 PM IST, followed by the revelation of playing XIs.
IND vs SA T20 series begins on Tuesday, 9 December, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. South Africa had earlier claimed the Test series 2-0, while India bounced back to win the three-match ODI series 2-1.