Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance, along with collective efforts from the bowlers, handed India a 101-run victory in the first T20I against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium. With this win, the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, kicking off their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations in style.

Defending 176 runs, the Men in Blue got off to a dream start as Arshdeep Singh dismissed Quinton de Kock for a duck off just the second delivery of the innings. Tristan Stubbs looked to get going, but his stay was cut short by Arshdeep, who claimed his second wicket in the third over.

Rassie van der Dussen and Dewald Brevis attempted to steady the innings, but a change in bowling—introducing Axar Patel inside the powerplay—led to the Protea skipper falling for a run-a-ball 14. Returni

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