Hardik Pandya shines in dominant India win over South Africa
In the first T20 International between India national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team — played on 9 December 2025 at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium — Hardik Pandya delivered a near-perfect all-round performance as India thrashed South Africa by 101 runs.
Hardik Pandya’s Explosive Batting Lights Up 1st T20 vs South Africa
Hardik Pandya produced a spectacular batting performance in the first T20 against South Africa, reminding everyone why he is considered one of India’s most valuable match-winners. Walking in at a tense situation with India struggling at 104/5, Pandya took charge with a fearless yet calculated approach. He began by stabilising the innings, rotating the strike smartly, and then gradually shifted gears to launch a brutal assault on the South African bowlers.
Pandya smashed a stunning 59 not out off just 28 balls, hammering six fours and four towering sixes. His strike rate of over 210 showcased his ability to change the momentum of the game single-handedly. What made the innings special was his timing—India desperately needed a finisher to step up, and Pandya delivered exactly that.
He targeted the pacers with clean hits down the ground and punished the spinners with powerful slog-sweeps. His acceleration in the final overs helped India post a competitive total after being on the back foot early on. With this knock, he also became the fourth Indian to hit 100 T20I sixes, entering an elite club.
Pandya’s innings was the turning point of the match and set the tone for India’s dominant victory.
🔥 The Bat: Return with a Bang
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Pandya smashed a blazing 59 not out off just 28 balls, including six fours and four sixes.
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His strike rate of 210.71 helped India recover from a precarious 104/5 to post a competitive 175/6.
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That knock came at a crucial juncture and essentially rescued the Indian innings.
Notably, with this innings, Pandya became just the fourth Indian to smash 100 sixes in T20 Internationals, joining the elite company of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli.
Hardik Pandya’s Strong Bowling & Sharp Fielding Seal India’s Dominant Win
Hardik Pandya not only shone with the bat but also delivered an impactful bowling and fielding performance in the first T20 against South Africa. After powering India to a strong total, Pandya contributed crucial overs with the ball, using his variations cleverly on a pitch offering bounce and grip. He bowled with discipline, mixing slower cutters, hard-length deliveries, and sharp short balls to keep the South African middle order under pressure.
His most important moment came when he dismissed David Miller, one of South Africa’s biggest finishers. The wicket broke the backbone of their chase and shifted full momentum in India’s favour. Pandya’s economical spells helped India build pressure from both ends, forcing the opposition into mistakes. His ability to deliver at the right time once again highlighted his value as a true all-rounder.
In the field, Pandya was energetic and alert throughout the innings. He saved important runs inside the circle with his athletic stops and quick reflexes. His presence added confidence to the team’s fielding unit, which looked sharp and focused. Pandya’s intensity, awareness, and commitment on the field played a vital role in restricting South Africa and securing India’s emphatic victory.
🎯 The Ball: All-Round Impact
Pandya didn’t just stop at a fiery innings — he also picked up a key wicket in the South African chase, dismissing David Miller.
His combined efforts with the ball and bat earned him the Player of the Match honours.
📈 Context & Significance
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This was Pandya’s comeback match after a quadricep injury sustained during the earlier tournament.
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His innings was 33 more runs than the next highest scorer for India in the match.
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The win gave India a strong start to the series — not only with the bat and ball, but also with momentum and confidence ahead of the next games.
🏆 What This Match Shows
Hardik Pandya once again underlined why he is arguably India’s most formidable T20 weapon — a genuine all-rounder who can rescue a floundering innings with brutal power, and then contribute significantly with the ball. On a pitch that offered assistance to bowlers, his shot-making and composure stood out.
For India fans, this innings is a timely reminder: when Pandya is fit and firing, he remains a match-winner — and with T20 World Cup around the corner, performances like this will matter a lot.
Conclusion
Hardik Pandya’s performance in yesterday’s match was a complete display of why he remains one of India’s most impactful T20 all-rounders. With a brilliant half-century under pressure, a crucial wicket at a key moment, and energetic fielding throughout the game, he influenced every department and played a central role in India’s dominant win. His batting rescued the team from trouble, his bowling broke South Africa’s momentum, and his fielding added intensity to India’s overall effort.
This match not only marked a powerful comeback for Pandya but also reinforced his reputation as a game-changer who thrives in high-pressure situations. If he continues to perform at this level, he will be a major asset for India in the upcoming matches and future tournaments.
