Cuttack: Team India thrashed South Africa by 101 runs in the first T20 International here on Tuesday night to take the lead in the five-match series.

The Men in Blue delighted the capacity crowd of 46,000 at Barabati Stadium by skittling out South Africa for 74 in 12.3 overs after Hardik Pandya lifted the home team to a fighting 175/6 on a tricky pitch. ADVERTISEMENT

It was South Africa’s lowest ever T20I total, as India won their first T20 clash in three encounters versus the Proteas at this magnificent venue in Cuttack. India had come out on the losing side in 2015 and 2022.

With the ball moving around, Arshdeep Singh picked up a wicket each in his first two overs – having Quinton de Kock caught by Abhishek Sharma at slip and getting Tristan Stubbs edge to wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.

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