New Delhi: India couldn’t have asked for a more emphatic start to the five-match T20I series against South Africa. The hosts produced a near-perfect all-round performance to register the biggest home T20 win against the Proteas by 101 runs. At the heart of it was none other than Hardik Pandya whose bat and ball combined to script a statement result.

After losing the toss, Men in Blue were asked to bat first on a fresh red-soil surface and they were wobbling early until Pandya took the charge. The pitch had enough in it for the bowlers and South Africa’s attack made the most of it. Lungi Ngidi’s variations caused problems straightaway as Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav departed within the first seven overs. At that stage, India were searching for momentum and stability.

An emphatic win in the #INDvSA T20I series opener 🥳#TeamIndia register a 1⃣0⃣1⃣-run victory in Cuttack to go 1⃣-0⃣ up 🙌

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/tiemfwcNPh@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/mw3oxC5AHw

— BCCI (@BCCI)

Tilak Verma and Axar Patel stitched together a brief recovery but India’s innings was still crying out for something special as Pandya stepped in at 78 for 4 in the 12th over. He seemed calm, confident and clear in his approach as he stepped in at No.6 to make up for the lost time after his injury layoff.

He announced his comeback in style by launching Keshav Maharaj for two towering sixes immediately shifting the pressure back on Proteas. Where others had struggled for timing, Pandya looked in complete control, picking his moments and trusting his power.

South Africa tried to test Pandya by bringing in Anrich Nortje with full short balls and thunderbolts but the Indian all-rounder responded with authority. He scored his century in just 25 balls, finishing unbeaten on 59 from 28 deliveries. His innings was laced up with six fours and four sixes, lifting Men in Blue to a competitive total of 175.

If Pandya set it up, India’s bowlers made sure there was no way back. South Africa’s chase never got going as wickets fell regularly. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah struck early, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel tightened the screws in the middle overs.

The Proteas were skittled out for just 74 in 12.3 overs, which is their lowest-ever total in T20I cricket. Dewald Brevis was the top-scorer with 22 but there was little resistance elsewhere. Hardik even chipped in with a wicket on his very first delivery, underlining a dream comeback night.

Beyond the margin of victory, this win sent out a clear message that the T20 World Cup defending champions not only dominated a strong Proteas side but did so with authority in all departments. On a night where batting wasn’t easy, Hardik Pandya stood tall leading the hosts from the front and reminding everyone why he remains one of India’s most impactful match-winners in the shortest format.

For India, this was more than just a win. It was a statement start to the series from their end as they lead by 1-0 heading to Mullanpur.