Epic Start to the Series: India Dominates South Africa

The first match of the 2025 T20 series at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on 9 December 2025 delivered a powerful statement from the Indian cricket team. It was a night where India not only won but thoroughly dismantled South Africa in all departments of the game — a performance that underscored their depth and highlighted a triumphant return for a key all-rounder.

 Match Highlights & Key Moments

1. A Cautious Start, Then Pandya Takes Charge

India’s innings began in a rather tentative fashion. Early wickets meant India were 78 / 4, and the momentum seemed balanced. That’s when Hardik Pandya — returning from injury — unleashed a breathtaking counterattack. 

• Hardik Pandya’s innings: 59 off 28 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes – a breathtaking turnaround that swung the match completely in India’s favor.
  
• He anchored the Indian innings at the perfect time, accelerating when needed and providing stability when the team needed it most.
  

 2. India’s Total — Tough Target Set

India ended on a competitive 175/6 after their 20 overs. Support came from:

• Tilak Varma (26) and Axar Patel (23), providing key contributions down the order.
  

This total proved more than enough — especially when India’s bowlers stepped up. 

3. Bowling Masterclass — South Africa Collapse

South Africa’s response was disastrous:

• They were bowled out for 74 — their lowest ever score in T20Is — losing by a huge 101 runs.
  

The bowling effort was incredibly balanced:

• Every bowler picked up a wicket
  
• Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy and others shared the spoils.
  

This comprehensive bowling performance ensured India never let South Africa get a foothold in the chase. 

Player of the Match: Hardik Pandya

The star of the show was undoubtedly Hardik Pandya. His fearless hitting under pressure turned the game on its head:

• From a vulnerable top order position to dominating the innings — Pandya’s knock was the pivotal moment.
  

His performance not only put India in a commanding position but also set a tone of confidence for the rest of the series. 

 What This Win Signifies

This dominant start gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series, signaling strong intent ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup cycle. 

Key takeaways:

• Depth in batting and bowling
  
• Match-winning all-round contributions
  
• Bowling unit firing collectively
  

India’s performance in Cuttack wasn’t just a big win — it was a reminder of how complete a team they can be on their day.