In the first T20I match against South Africa, Team India emerged victorious by 101 runs at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
In an attempt to chase a target of 176 runs, the Proteas were bowled out for just 74 runs in 12.3 overs. Dewald Brevis was the highest run-scorer for the visitors as he scored 22 runs in 14 balls. His knock included three boundaries and a maximum. Skipper Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs registered scores of 14 runs each. Marco Jansen also scored 12 runs off 12 balls, including two maximums.
Team India`s Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel bagged two wickets each. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube chipped in with one wicket each.
Having put to bat first, Team India posted a total of 175 runs for the loss of six wickets. Hardik Pandya`s unbeaten half-century was the highlight of the hosts` innings. Facing just 28 balls, he garnered an unbeaten 59 runs, which was laced with six boundaries and four maximums.
Team India`s swashbuckling opening batsman, Abhishek Sharma, registered a score of 17 runs in 12 balls. His knock was laced with two boundaries and a maximum. Shubman Gill managed to score just four runs in two balls. His knock also included a boundary. The right-hander had returned to action after recovering from a neck injury. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav accumulated 12 runs after facing 11 deliveries. His innings included a boundary and a maximum
Later, Tilak Varma and Axar Patel delivered crucial knocks. Facing 32 balls, Tilak smashed 26 runs, with the help of two boundaries and a maximum, whereas Axar scored 23 runs off 21 balls, including a maximum. Shivam Dube garnered 11 runs in nine balls. His knock also included two boundaries. Along with Pandya, Jitesh Sharma scored an unbeaten 10 runs in five balls, with the help of a maximum.
Lungi Ngidi was the most successful bowler for South Africa. Completing his quota of four overs, he claimed three wickets by conceding 31 runs. Lutho Sipamla also bowled a decent spell. Bowling four overs, he leaked 38 runs and bagged two wickets. Donovan Ferreira picked up one wicket by conceding 13 runs in two overs.