1st T20 South Africa in India, 5 T20I Series, 2025

TOSS - Up goes the flip of the coin and Aiden Markram calls it correctly. South Africa will BOWL first.

The Indian skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, says that they were a bit confused looking at the wicket and they are happy to bat first, and are looking forward to putting runs on the board. Adds that the T20 format is a bit challenging for the bowlers but it has now been around for a long time and they need to adjust to it. Reckons that they had a good series against Australia and now they are playing against South Africa and New Zealand as well, which is great. Informs that Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav

The captain of South Africa, Aiden Markram, says that there is quite a bit of dew around at this time of the year in India, but expects it to play out well. Reckons that it might get a little bit worse later on, so thinks bowling first is a better choice. Stresses that the adjustment needs to be quick to make the transition from the formats. Says that you need to be in the right frame of mind to compete. Also adds that it has been a great buildup for the upcoming World Cup, and from a conditions

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, and Lungi Ngidi.

We are just a few minutes away from the first ball, but before that, it is time for the national anthems. Both sets of players and the match officials line up. It will be South Africa's first, followed by the Indian national anthem. 

Righto, done with all the pre-match rituals, and it is now time to get going in this highly anticipated T20I series. On the banks of the Mahanadi River, the Barabati Stadium is buzzing, and the atmosphere is electric. It is a working day, mind you, but the stands are jam-packed. The Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, rings the bell to mark the commencement of the game. The two umpires walk out to the middle, and the players of South Africa spread across the field and take

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Abhishek Sharma and India are off the mark!

Lungi Ngidi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Slashed away! On a good length but very wide outside off, Shubman Gill reaches out to hit it square but the ball flies off the outside half of the blade and to the left of deep backward point for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Shubman Gill, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent adjustment from Lungi Ngidi and South Africa have an early wicket here.

The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, walks in at number 3.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, Hard length at the stumps, whipped away through the on side for a single. Again, the pace off the deck is a bit slower on this surface and the ball isn't coming onto the bat as expected right now.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Swing and a miss!

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Excellent start from Ngidi, 6 runs and a wicket off it. Hits the back of length and bowls it over middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma looks to pull but misses and gets hit around the ribs.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Starts with a full ball outside off, looking for some swing which isn't quite there. Suryakumar Yadav leans across and punches it sweetly towards short cover.

Already, there are signs of the ball holding on the surface. Ravi Shastri on air mentioned that it is a bit damp in nature as well. And Gill's wicket showed that the ball might arrive a bit late on the bat than expected. Marco Jansen will share the attack from the other end. 

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, No run there! Hard length, angled across off, SKY taps it to the left of point and sets off for the single but is sent back. Dewald Brevis does well to attack the ball and create that bit of hesitation between the batters.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Oh, nearly catches the outside edge! A tad fuller and swinging away from the off stump line, Suryakumar Yadav looks to whip it across the line but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Good-length delivery on middle, this one comes straight on and Yadav blocks it off.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Hard length on off, a hint of shape on this one and Yadav watchfully keeps it out.

Marco Jansen to Suryakumar Yadav, Very full and straight, driven back past the bowler and to the left of mid on for a quick single. Just a single off the over.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Nicely done! Fractionally short and angled in at the hips, Suryakumar Yadav flicks it away over the square leg region and the ball rolls away into the fence, much to the disappointment of the chasing fielder.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, SIX! What a shot, bread and butter for SKY! Length ball on the pads, Suryakumar Yadav takes a step to the off side, getting inside the line and nonchalantly picks it up over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. You do not bowl there to SKY.

Lungi Ngidi to Suryakumar Yadav, OUT! CAUGHT! Lungi Ngidi gets the last laugh and India are already 2 down.

Two left-handers at the crease as Tilak Varma walks in at number 4.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Pitches the ball on a fuller length and on off, Tilak Varma covers the line and solidly blocks it off.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Oh, nearly another one for Ngidi! Nagging length, not all that full and just around off. Varma looks to play it late but gets an inside edge that just goes past leg stump and the batters manage to pick up a single.

It seems like a two-paced wicket. Might see spin from one end pretty soon. But for now, Marco Jansen (1-0-1-0) to continue. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, That in-between length, lands it around off and angles it in a bit, Tilak Varma gets forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, On a good length and over middle, Varma gets across and just nudges it in front of square leg for a quick run.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, Oh, that is a stinging blow to get!

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! Hit on the body the previous ball but Sharma doesn't care! Banged in short and over off, Abhishek Sharma lines it up early and pulls it off the back foot handsomely over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, Banged in on a hard length and over middle, Sharma comes down the pitch, staying leg side of the ball and looks to hammer it through the off side but is beaten by the extra bounce.

Marco Jansen to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Lutho Sipamla is brought into the attack, replacing Lungi Ngidi.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR BYES! Prodigious movement and that too late movement. Seam-up delivery, on a length and angling in from leg stump. Abhishek Sharma comes down the pitch to swing across the line but is beaten and even Quinton de Kock only manages to get a glove on it as the ball rolls away into the fine leg fence.

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, O a hard length and over off, holds its line this time and Varma punches it down to mid off.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Oh, that's beaten Tilak Varma all ends up. Fuller in length, swings away quite a bit from middle and leg. Varma looks to drive on the up, but the ball beats the outside edge by a mile.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Just a single to end and it is a tidy start from Lutho Sipamla as well.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Keeps the length relatively full and bowls it around off, Varma watchfully defends.

Change? Nope. Marco Jansen to continue. Third over on the trot. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Too straight, angling down leg, on a length. Tilak Varma gets inside the line to nudge it around the corner on the leg side, but misses. The ball zips past through to the keeper. Not given as a wide as it passes inside the new guideline. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, No run.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, FOUR! Finds the gap perfectly! Full and on the pads, Tilak Varma gets on top of it and flicks it past mid-wicket. Lutho Sipamla from mid on is after it, but the ball teases him all the way to the ropes. This brings up 1000 T20I runs for Tilak Varma.

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Short of a good length, around off, steered off the back foot to backward point. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, Slower one, touch fuller and around off. Tilak Varma pushes at the delivery on the front foot, and ends up chipping it on the bounce to extra cover. 

Marco Jansen to Tilak Varma, FOUR! Plays it fine enough! Hard length from Jansen, onto the pads and a bit straight. Tilak Varma gets across and uses the pace to guide the ball toward the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. 8 runs off the final over of the restrictions. India end their Powerplay with 40/2 on the board. 

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Glorious! Fuller and on the fourth stump line. Abhishek Sharma leans onto the shot and drives it between the mid off and extra cover gap for a cracking boundary. 

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Lovely shot! Short of a length, angled onto the bodyline. Abhishek Sharma reads the pace well, sits back and chips it wide of mid-wicket for a boundary. 

Lutho Sipamla to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! That is a screamer of a catch from Lungi Ngidi. Abhishek Sharma looks at the heavens as he departs on 17 (12) and India are 48/3.

Axar Patel is sent in at number, replacing Abhishek Sharma.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, On a length, on middle and leg, Axar Patel steers it through backward square leg for a single. 

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, Nagging length, around off, Tilak Varma stabs it off the back foot to backward point.

Lutho Sipamla to Tilak Varma, 50 UP FOR INDIA!

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Fires in a full ball, on off, Tilak Varma plays from the crease and forces the drive to extra cover.

Anrich Nortje is now into the attack. A long-awaited T20I return for the pacer.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Back of a length, outside off. Tilak Varma hangs back and guides it to deep third for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Fuller and outside off, Axar Patel gets on the front foot and drives it to the right of mid off and pinches a single.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Pulls the length back, angling on the off pole. Tilak Varma is rushed on the back foot and blocks it watchfully to the off side. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Sharp bumper from Nortje, on top of middle, nipping in a touch. Tilak Varma is hurried on the back foot and just manages to dab it off the inside edge to the leg side for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Cannons in a fuller delivery, on middle, Axar Patel looks to drive on the leg side, but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls behind square on the leg side. They cross. Phew, that was some breathless over from Anrich Nortje upon his return. Just 4 runs off it. 

First signs of spin being used as Keshav Maharaj comes on to bowl.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Starts from around the stumps, on the length, on leg, Axar Patel gets across on the back foot and nudges it to the right of short fine leg. The fielder there, moves to his right but fails to pick it up cleanly and allows the batters to cross for the second. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Short and flat, outside off. Axar Patel rocks back and tries to punch it to the off side, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball is on its way to the ropes, but Lungi Ngidi from the inner ring sprints after it. He does stop the ball, but realises that his bodyweight is taking him beyond the ropes. So, he shows a good presence of mind by flicking the ball just before he runs over the ropes. The replay shows that he has done a clean job to save a run for his s

Keshav Maharaj to Tilak Varma, Short on middle, pulled off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, 1 run.

Keshav Maharaj to Tilak Varma, Full and flat, on middle, dabbed across to square leg for a single. 

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Wide!

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Much fuller and on the stumps, Axar Patel lunges forward and gently pushes it back to the bowler. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, That was a bit too adventurous from Tilak! Just a tick under 150 clicks, Nortje shoots in a full delivery, just outside off. Tilak Varma gets down on a knee to slog it over square leg, but misses due to the excessive pace.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, BEATEN! Hard length, just outside off, kicking up a bit. Tilak Varma gets a bit squared up and hangs his bat away on the back foot. Gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, SIX! He has nailed that shot right out of the screws! Short from Nortje, angling into the batter. Tilak Varma picks the length in a trice and pulls it massively over deep square leg. It has gone on all the way on the roof. That was struck right from the meat of the bat. 

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Slightly fuller than the previous delivery, on off. Tilak Varma hops on the crease and dabs it to the left of the bowler. 

The ball has landed on the roof and is out of the ground. The fourth umpire comes out with a box of balls and the umpires pick one that resembles the old ball best.

Anrich Nortje to Tilak Varma, Bangs it short and on middle and leg. Tilak Varma stays leg side and knocks it in thereabouts of cover-point for a quick single. 

Anrich Nortje to Axar Patel, Spears in at 147.4 kph, full and on middle, Axar Patel plays from the crease and tucks it into the leg side, in front of square, and they cross over for a single. Halfway through in the first inning and India are 71/3.

Drinks Break! A very positive first 10 overs with the ball for South Africa and they will now look to build on it. However, Tilak Varma and Axar Patel have done a decent job of bringing India back and with a few power hitters still to come, this stand becomes all the more vital for both sides. Maybe it isn't a pitch you get 200 on, but with the dew settling in later on, the hosts might look to target the 170-run mark from here. Let's see how the first innings pans out. A bowling change after

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Sees the batter backing away and angles it into the batter, Patel works it away past square leg and turns the strike over.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, Dragged length angled into the batter, Tilak Varma works it away in between mid on and mid-wicket and calls for two but the bowler is quick to chase the ball down. Just a single.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Wide! Flatter one, darted down the leg side for an extra.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Slightly shorter and into the hips, flicked away down to deep square leg for a single.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, A touch fuller and more round-arm, angled just down leg, Tilak Varma looks to get inside the line and sweep it over backward square leg but misses out.

Donovan Ferreira to Tilak Varma, Fuller and flatter, angled into the batter, this is swept away to deep square leg for just another single.

Donovan Ferreira to Axar Patel, Quick and flat, on a length and into the batter, Axar Patel swings across the line but is beaten and wears it high on the pads.

Change in bowling.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, Short of a length, banged into the deck and angled across off, Varma swivels on the back foot and forces the pull through mid-wicket for a run.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Good-length delivery, cutting across the left-hander, Axar stays put and looks to punch it away but mistimes it into the off side.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, Takes pace off and bowl it around the top of middle and off, Axar waits before just angling it towards short third for an easy single.

Lungi Ngidi to Tilak Varma, OUT! CAUGHT! Oh, that could have gone all wrong but Marco Jansen has done well in the end. The umpires have sent it upstairs to check for a fair catch.

Hardik Pandya is in at number 6 with India in a spot of bother. 

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, On a good length and around off, Hardik Pandya goes from up to down and hits it through covers for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Axar Patel, End of another fruitful over from Lungi Ngidi. Fuller and on leg stump, Axar Patel leans on and clips it well in front of mid-wicket for one more.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Drops it a bit short and around leg, Patel helps the pull down to long leg and turns the strike over.

Keshav Maharaj returns into the attack. 1-0-9-0 are his bowling figures. He replaces Donovan Ferreira.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, SIX! Up, up and away! Flighted delivery drifting into leg stump, Hardik Pandya clears the front leg and whacks it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, Flatter this time and around off, this is punched away towards covers.

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, SIX! Another one!

Keshav Maharaj to Hardik Pandya, 1 run.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Wide! Floated up a bit but pushed well wide of the off stump. Axar leaves it alone.

Keshav Maharaj to Axar Patel, Tossed up on off and middle, driven down to long off for a single by Patel. 16 off the over, a big one for India.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Hits the hard length and bowls it at the batter, Axar hops up and tucks it behind square leg for a single.

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, Slower one, slightly full and on off, Pandya waits well and taps it towards gully for another single.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Nicely bowled! A short ball, angled across off but at just 116.7 kph, Axar Patel stands tall to pull but is undone by the lack of pace.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, Good change-up again from Sipamla.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, SIX! Oh, that is a fine shot! Slower delivery, a bit full and straight, Axar Patel backs away to the leg side, waits for it and plays a controlled lofted shot back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Lutho Sipamla to Axar Patel, OUT! CAUGHT! Lutho Sipamla reigns victorious in his battle against Axar Patel and once again, a wicket falls right after a boundary. Sipamla bowls it back of a length and angles across off, Patel gets up on his toes and looks to cut it over point. However, the extra bounce means Axar fails to control the shot and ends up hitting it straight to Donovan Ferreira at point and he takes a simple catch. India are 5 down now for 104.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Banged in on a hard length and over off, Pandya stays back and pats it down to mid on for a quick single.

Shivam Dube is in at number 7. Also, Anrich Nortje (2-0-12-0) returns into the attack. 

Anrich Nortje to Shivam Dube, On a hard length again, angled well into the left-hander. Shivam Dube is beaten for pace and gets a faint inside edge onto the thigh pad. The ball travels through short third and they get a single.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! Enough room on offer and Hardik Pandya doesn't miss out. Good-length delivery, quick but wide outside off. Pandya is late on the cut but the ball gets slashed away wide of the deep third fielder for a boundary.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, No run.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, FIVE WIDES! Too hot to handle for anyone. A quick bumper over off, at 144 clicks and this oe flies over the batter's head and even Quinton de Kock has no chance of getting a hand on it.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Excellent fielding in the deep! Hard length around off at 147.9 kph, Hardik Pandya is again late on the cut and the ball flies off the outside edge to the left of deep third. Lutho Sipamla does well to speed across the turf and gets a hand on it, saving two runs.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, BEATEN! Across off, on a good length. Shivam Dube has to reach for it to slash it square on the off side but misses. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! Fighting fire with fire, what a shot! Nortje bowls it quick again but goes full and straight. However, Hardik Pandya backs away to the leg side and comes down the pitch, drilling it back past the bowler as the ball rockets into the long off fence. 17 of the over.

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Around off, short in length. Shivam Dube backs away and slaps it to deep point for a single. 

Lungi Ngidi to Hardik Pandya, Slower one, full and outside off, Pandya dabs it with soft hands to the left of backward point for a single. 

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Sheer muscle power! Back of a length, angling outside off. Shivam Dube stands tall and punches it between mid off and extra cover for a cracking boundary. The mid off fielder stands no chance to chase that. First boundary for Dube. 

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, Pace off, on a good length, on off. Shivam Dube is taken aback by the extra bounce, but does well enough to pat it to the cover region. 

Lungi Ngidi to Shivam Dube, FOUR! Helped on its way! Short from Ngidi, on the leg stump, with pace on. Shivam Dube uses the pace and pulls it to the right of deep fine leg. This time, the ball stays out of reach of Marco Jansen in the deep and bounces into the fence for a boundary. 10 runs off the over, 27 from the last 12 balls for India. Lungi Ngidi is done with his spell with figures of 4-0-31-3.

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, At 121.5 kph, this is bashed on a hard length, outside off. Hardik Pandya tries to force the issue by smacking it over cover, but misses out on the connection.

Marco Jansen (3-0-17-0) is back on to finish his spell.

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! That is played nonchalantly! Short from Marco, on off, Hardik Pandya stands tall and covers the stumps and pulls it through mid-wicket and finds the fence. 

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, Good reply from Jansen! This one takes off the pitch, on a good length, on off. Hardik Pandya plays inside the line and is beaten by the extra bounce.

Marco Jansen to Hardik Pandya, Short and outside off. Hardik Pandya cuts it uppishly towards deep point, but the fielder in the deep, Tristan Stubbs, is quick to move to his right and collects it on the bounce. Just a single. Hardik is disappointed for not being able to split that gap. 

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, An off cutter, on off, full in length. Dube drills it back to the bowler. 

Marco Jansen to Shivam Dube, Slower short ball, outside off. Shivam Dube extends his arms and punches it between cover and point for a single. Just 6 runs off the over. Marco Jansen finishes with figures of 4-0-23-0. 

Change.

Donovan Ferreira to Shivam Dube, OUT! BOWLED! The gamble has paid off instantly for the Proteas. Donovan Ferreira comes from around the stumps and darts in a fractionally fuller delivery, keeping the line of attack onto the stumps. The ball drifts in and skids low from the surface. Shivam Dube clears his front leg and tries to pull it over mid-wicket but the ball stays low to beat the inside edge. It then makes an absolute mess of the middle stump. Shivam Dube departs on 11 (9) and Ind

Jitesh Sharma is in at number 8 for India.

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, WIDE! Sprayed down leg, on a fuller length. Jitesh plays and miss to flick. Wide called. 

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, Pushed through full and on middle, Jitesh Sharma leans and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, Slightly short and on the leg stump. Hardik Pandya guides it to short fine leg for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Jitesh Sharma, Too full, on the leg stump. Jitesh sweeps it to the left of short fine leg for a single. 

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! Races away! Speared in by Donovan Ferreira, a bit seam-up on a fuller length, on the leg stump. Hardik Pandya whips off the pads, and gets some part of the bat. It races behind to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary. 

Donovan Ferreira to Hardik Pandya, Neat stop by Donovan Ferreira!

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, Slower ball, full and outside off. Jitesh carves it to deep point. Dewald Brevis in the deep, slides to his left and relays it to the converging deep third fielder. Just a single. 

Who will bowl the 19th over? Anrich Nortje or Lutho Sipamla? It will be Sipamla.

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, SIX! Clean strike! 150 UP FOR INDIA!

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! BANG! Short of a good length, an off cutter, outside off. Hardik Pandya waits for it and flat bats it down the ground for a boundary. That has raced away to the ropes in the blink of an eye. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, Surprise, surprise! Steep bumper on top of off. Hardik Pandya takes off his eyes from the ball while he tries to pull it away. Misses to connect. 

Lutho Sipamla to Hardik Pandya, STRAIGHT UP... LANDS JUST SAFE! Off cutter by the looks of it, on a fuller length, outside off. Hardik Pandya liberates his arms and ends up slicing it high up and over the cover-point region. Dewald Brevis from the inner ring backtracks it and tries to catch it by extending his hands in front, but the ball lands just beyond his reach. A single taken. 

Lutho Sipamla to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! SMOKED! On a short of a length, on middle and leg. Jitesh Sharma plays off the back foot and pulls it cleanly over deep square leg for a huge six. A massive over as 18 runs come off it. 

Here's Anrich Nortje to bowl the final over. He's gone for 29 runs thus far in his 3 overs.

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Searing in at 147.3 kph, full and fairly outside off. Hardik Pandya swings with everything left in the tank to launch it over cover, but misses to lay bat on ball. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, SIX! Oh, what a shot! FIFTY FOR HARDIK PANDYA! Off just 25 balls. His 6th T20I half century and this is also his 100th six in T20Is. Nortje lands it short and outside off. Hardik Pandya uses the depth of the crease to his benefit and cuts it powerfully over deep third for a six. This has been a purely entertaining innings from Hardik. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, Nagging length, around off, punched off the back foot, but straight to mid off. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! PUNISHED! A genuine loosener from Anrich. It is a full toss, on middle. Hardik Pandya clears the front leg to give himself some room and tonks it over mid on, where even the tall, lanky, Marco Jansen cannot reach for it by leaping. Finds the fence for a boundary. 

Anrich Nortje to Hardik Pandya, The stumps are attacked on a good length, Hardik Pandya shuffles to the leg side and slashes it away to deep point for a single. 

Anrich Nortje to Jitesh Sharma, Well-bowled to finish things off! Sharp short ball, on top of the stumps, just nipping into the batter. Jitesh Sharma is rushed on the pull shot, and miscues it off the bottom end. The ball lobs into the off side and lands on the bounce in front of extra cover. They cross for a single. INDIA FINISH ON 175/6.

India end with a bit of a flourish thanks to Hardik Pandya's blistering return to the team and the momentum has ebbed away into the hosts' corner heading into the break. South Africa won't be too displeased with the final score but they will feel that with those early wickets and how the pitch has played, they should have conceded 10-15 runs less.

After opting to bowl first, the Proteas pacers started off brilliantly and Lungi Ngidi picked up the early wicket of Shubman Gill. Lungi Ngidi kept up his good work and picked up another wicket, and soon enough, India were 3 down for 48 in 6.3 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the third man out and he was the only one who looked to have found some timing till then.

Tilak Varma and Axar Patel tried to pull things back in the middle overs but the pitch continued to offer some extra bounce and help to the seamers, especially with the use of slower deliveries. Both Varma and Axar got out when they looked set, but a couple of big overs did help India's run rate. Keshav Maharaj, who is generally very effective, didn't manage to get any purchase with his spin bowling.

Hardik Pandya was the wrecker-in-chief in the death overs and spoiled all the good work done by the likes of Ngidi and Jansen as he took Lutho Sipamla and especially Anrich Nortje apart. Sipamla had bowled well until that final over but Nortje's extra pace ended up being a boon for the batters at the death. Pandya's unbeaten knock of 59 off just 28 balls could be the difference between the two sides. For South Africa, Ngidi bowled brilliantly and picked up 3 wickets, whereas Jansen was highly

Right then, 176 is what South Africa need to make it 3-0 against India in T20Is at this venue. The dew will also play a major role but there is enough purchase for the frontline pacers to do damage in the early overs. India are still a few runs short but with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in the side, the Protea batters would want to see them off rather than go hard in the Powerplay. It should be a cracking chase, so stay tuned.

... The Run Chase ...

We are back for the run chase! The umpires are back out in the middle as Suryakumar Yadav can be seen leading his team in the huddle before the Indian players stride onto the field. It will be the duo of Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock to open the innings for South Africa. 

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, Arshdeep is on the money! Gets a hint of outswing, full and around off. Quinton de Kock commits on the front foot, middles the ball and drives it away, but finds Varun Chakaravarthy at extra cover.

Arshdeep Singh to Quinton de Kock, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Arshdeep Singh strikes and strikes big in the very first over. He gets the ball to curve away from the batter nicely, on a fuller length, outside off. Quinton de Kock gets on the front foot again and pushes at it with hard hands. Just manages a thick outside edge which flies flat towards the second slip. Abhishek Sharma crouches a bit and takes it with a reverse cup in front of his face. The Proteas are rocked early as they are 0/1

Tristan Stubbs walks in at number 3, replacing Quinton de Kock.

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, South Africa and Stubbs are off the mark! Outswinger on a back of a length, on off. Tristan Stubbs taps the ball through cover-point off the back foot and hustles back for the second run. Excellent running by the two. 

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! All class! Too full from Arshdeep on this occasion, and fairly wide outside off. Tristan Stubbs with a good weight transfer on the front foot, drives it past the diving Shubman Gill at cover and picks up the first boundary. 

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, Shapes in on a hard length, on middle and leg. Stubbs is rushed on the back foot and looks to nudge it around the corner on the leg side. He misses to get bat on ball and it deflects off his back thigh pad to short third. 

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, Fractionally full and on the leg stump, swinging in a tad as well. Tristan Stubbs flicks off his pads to mid-wicket. A successful first over from India's point of view. Just 6 runs and a huge wicket of QDK off it. 

Jasprit Bumrah will share the new ball with Arshdeep Singh.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Slants it onto the pads, on a length. Aiden Markram gets inside the line and nudges it with soft hands to the mid-wicket region. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Spears in full, and on middle, Aiden Markram forces it out to mid off. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, 1 run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Tristan Stubbs, 1 run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, On a length, outside off, glided off the back foot to deep third for one more.

Jasprit Bumrah to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller and on off, Stubbs walks forward and taps it in front of cover for a quick single. 

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, On a back of a length, angling across off. Tristan Stubbs punches it on the rise to the left of the diving point fielder for a couple of runs. He has timed the ball very well so far, has Stubbs. 

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! Right out of the coach's manual! Pushes the ball further up, a full ball, on off. Tristan Stubbs gets his front foot to the pitch of the ball and drives it neatly down the ground for a boundary. 

Arshdeep Singh to Tristan Stubbs, TAKEN! Or is it? Has Stubbs even nicked it? Too many questions. The Indians are celebrating but Stubbs is going nowhere. The umpire shakes his head on the appeal for caught behind, and Suryakumar Yadav has sent it upstairs for a review. There is a clear spike when the ball is next to the inside edge on the UltraEdge. Now, the third umpire checks the legality of the catch and confirms that Jitesh Sharma has just managed to scoop the ball cleanly before the

Arshdeep Singh to Dewald Brevis, Back of a length, on middle, punched off the back foot to deep point for a single. Brevis is off the mark. 

Dewald Brevis is the new batter.

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Full, skidding through, on off. Aiden Markram knocks it to backward point.

Arshdeep Singh to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, on top of off. Aiden Markram hangs back and punches it wide of extra cover for a quick single. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Off the edge! Bumrah slants the ball into the stumps using the wider angle, on a fuller length. Aiden Markram commits on the front foot to drive it straight down the ground. But the ball just straightens up enough and takes the outside edge. Abhishek Sharma at first slip, dives to his left, but it stays out of his reach and races to the fence behind. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Touch full and on off. Aiden Markram opens the bat face at the point of contact by prodding forward and eases it to backward point. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Kicks up a bit, on a shorter length, on middle and leg. Markram hangs deep in the crease and knocks it to extra cover. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, SIX! Excellent pick-up shot from the South African captain!

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, On a hard length, on middle. Aiden Markram gets right behind it and bunts it back to the bowler. 2-0-14-0 are Bumrah's figures so far. 

Varun Chakaravarthy comes into the attack now.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Starts off with a length ball, spinning in from off. Dewald Brevis goes back and across to cut it squarer on the off side but gets beaten all ends up on the outside edge. 

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! Brilliantly played! Just a bit too wide outside off, on a fuller length. Dewald Brevis gets on the front foot and threads the gap at backward point and short third for a boundary. 

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Flatter and fuller, on off, at 94.1 kph. Dewald Brevis prods forward and blocks it to extra cover. Dewald is keen to pinch in a single, but Markram sends him back in time. 

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, SIX! Good choice of shot! Varun lands it into the slot, on middle. Dewald Brevis clears the front foot and with just a snap of his wrists, lofts it over long on for a massive six. 

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Drifts in another googly, full and on middle. Dewald Brevis whips off the inner half of the bat to the right of deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Varun Chakaravarthy to Aiden Markram, Slightly full and around off, Aiden Markram taps the front foot forward and works with the spin to long on for a single. A productive over for the tourists as 12 runs come off it. 

Spin from both ends now as Axar Patel comes into the attack.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, OUT! BOWLED'EM! A wicket on the very first ball for Axar Patel and South Africa lose a third wicket inside the Powerplay. On a fullish length on off and middle, and this one slides on with the arm. Aiden Markram goes back to a delivery that should have been played off the front foot and ends up playing all around it. The ball clips the back leg and crashes into the leg stump and the Proteas skipper has to depart for a run-a-ball 14.

David Miller walks to the crease at number 5. 

Axar Patel to David Miller, Nagging length again, from over the wicket and on off. David Miller rocks back and taps it to the right of the bowler.

Axar Patel to David Miller, This is drifted into the legs, Miller works it 'round the corner on the leg side and gets off the mark with a single.

Axar Patel to Dewald Brevis, Hit hard but straight to the fielder! Dragged length, angled into the batter, Dewald Brevis makes room leg side and slaps it straight to Shivam Dube at cover-point.

Axar Patel to Dewald Brevis, A bit fuller on off and middle, Brevis backs away again and hits it straight to covers.

Axar Patel to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! Hitting with the angle! On the fuller side again, darted into middle and leg, Dewald Brevis stays leg side of the ball and forces the lofted shot over wide mid on for a boundary. South Africa are 45/3 at the end of the Powerplay.

The fielding restrictions have now been lifted. Not much separates the two sides at this point. India were 40/2 and the South Africans are 45/3 after six overs. Hardik Pandya is brought into the attack now. He replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.

Is there an inside edge? Jitesh Sharma is claiming it right after taking a diving catch in front. The umpires have sent it upstairs for a check. The front-on vision shows a clear deviation off the inside edge and now, the third umpire is checking whether Jitesh caught it cleanly before the ground. After a couple of replays, the verdict comes out in favor of India. OUT.

Hardik Pandya to David Miller, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Two noises and one of them was indeed of the inside edge and Hardik Pandya picks up wicket number 99 in T20Is.

Donovan Ferreira is in at number 6 with South Africa in all sorts of trouble. 

Hardik Pandya to Donovan Ferreira, Good-length delivery around off, nips away a touch, Donovan Ferreira plays it late and tentatively towards backward point.

Hardik Pandya to Donovan Ferreira, No run.

Hardik Pandya to Donovan Ferreira, FOUR! Strong hit down the ground. Overpitched on off and middle, Donovan Ferreira keeps a steady base and lofts it over mid on and picks up a boundary to get going.

Hardik Pandya to Donovan Ferreira, Good length on off, darts back in at the stumps, and Ferreira blocks it off.

Hardik Pandya to Donovan Ferreira, Hard length outside off, tapped down in front of point without much timing and Ferreira picks up a quick single. 50 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Varun Chakaravarthy (1-0-12-0) is brought back on. He replaces Axar Patel.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Donovan Ferreira, Holds it back a touch, bowling it in and around off stump, Ferreira blocks it right under the eyes.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Donovan Ferreira, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Excellent glove work from Jitesh Sharma yet again and Varun Chakaravarthy gets a wicket on his return to the attack.

Marco Jansen is in at number 7. The last recognized batting pair for South Africa in the middle now. 

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, A googly, lands it on a length around off and gets it to angle in. Marco Jansen blocks it off.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, No run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, A bit quicker and fuller, just outside off, Marco Jansen manages to jam it out behind point.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, Just drifts down leg but gets away with it, does Varun. Another googly and this is angled in a fair bit. Marco Jansen looks to tickle it 'round the corner on the leg side but misses out.

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, FOUR! On a fuller length, attacking the pads, Dewald Brevis heaves it away over the mid-wicket reion. And even though one hand comes off the handle, he manages to power it away to the fence.

Hardik Pandya to Dewald Brevis, On a hard length now over middle, Brevis looks to get inside the line and pick it up over deep mid-wicket but the ball isn't full enough and this is mistimed aerially over square leg for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Marco Jansen, Length ball in the middle, Jansen leans on a touch and strokes it towards cover.

Hardik Pandya to Marco Jansen, Comes from a bit wider on the crease and angles in a good-length ball from outside off. This one stays low and nips away a bit and nearly outfoxes the keeper as well after beating Jansen's outside edge.

Hardik Pandya to Marco Jansen, Back of a length and over off stump, Jansen stands tall and just bunts it besides the pitch on the off side.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Dewald Brevis, Dragged length, angling it in from wide outside off, Brevis makes room and cuts it down through point for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Marco Jansen, SIX! That's a clean strike! Slightly overpitched from Pandya, and outside off. Marco Jansen hangs back, makes room, and uses those long levers to lift the ball well over long off for a biggie.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, No run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, Flatter again and angled into middle and leg, nudged away just in front of square leg.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, SIX! Jansen has made that look so easy. Not all that short and on off and middle, Marco Jansen simply rocks back and short-arm jabs it cleanly over cow corner for another biggie.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Marco Jansen, OUT! TIMBER! Instant revenge for Varun Chakaravarthy and Marco Jansen cannot believe it.

DRINKS BREAK. South Africa are reeling at the moment and their last recognized batting partnership has also been broken, leaving one end exposed. Dewald Brevis has too much to do single-handedly as South Africa still require 108 runs from 61 balls. From India's point of view, their bowling execution has been spot on. Despite a bit of dew settling in, they haven't let the South African's breathe easily. If Arshdeep Singh rocked South Africa early inside the Powerplay, Varun Chakaravarthy has d

Varun Chakaravarthy to Keshav Maharaj, A dot to end the first 10 overs of the chase. Fuller in length and around off, angling in, Keshav Maharaj tentatively blocks it off the inside edge.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dewald Brevis, Jasprit Bumrah is back on. Slams the deck hard, outside off, skidding off the deck. Dewald Brevis lines up for a pull shot but tries to hit it too hard and loses his shape completely. Gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball straightens up a bit. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Dewald Brevis, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! T20I wicket number 100 for Jasprit Bumrah. He becomes the only second bowler after Arshdeep Singh to achieve this feat. Okay, hang on, the third umpire is checking whether Bumrah has overstepped or not. Brevis is already into the dugout, and it looked like touch and go. 

Anrich Nortje is in at number 9.

Jasprit Bumrah to Anrich Nortje, Fuller and on middle, slanted into the batter. Anrich Nortje forces it out to the off side. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Anrich Nortje, WIDE! Sprays it down leg, on a length. Nortje swings and misses. Wide called. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Anrich Nortje, An attempted yorker, on the stumps, Anrich Nortje carves it on the bounce to mid off for a quick single. Would have been wicket number 8 had SKY scored a direct hit. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Keshav Maharaj, OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT BEHIND! It is Bumrah again. 

Lutho Sipamla is in next.

Jasprit Bumrah to Lutho Sipamla, Short and on top of middle. Lutho Sipamla rises on the toes and dabs it through the vacant short third region for a single. 

Axar Patel to Lutho Sipamla, Slides onto the pads, on a length. Lutho Sipamla hangs back and nudges it through square leg for a single. 

Lungi Ngidi is the last man in.

Axar Patel to Anrich Nortje, OUT! OUTFOXED! Axar gets his second wicket, and that's a perfect way to dismiss a tailender. Anrich Nortje goes for 1 (3) and the Proteas are 72/9.

Axar Patel to Lungi Ngidi, Lands it a bit fuller and around middle, Lungi Ngidi nudges it gently into the leg side.

Axar Patel to Lungi Ngidi, Nice and full, attacking the stumps, Ngidi keeps it out.

Axar Patel to Lungi Ngidi, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Lutho Sipamla, Tossed up, full and straight, Lutho Sipamla plays it back to the bowler.

Shivam Dube to Lungi Ngidi, Starts with a good-length ball over middle, Ngidi tucks it behind square leg and picks up a single.

Shivam Dube to Lutho Sipamla, Swing and a miss! A gentle-paced delivery, on a length and around off, Lutho Sipamla hangs back and swings across th line but is well beaten.

Shivam Dube to Lutho Sipamla, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Shivam Dube joins the wicket-taking fun and South Africa are bundled out for their lowest total in a completed T20I game. Dube bangs it in on a hard length and bowls it around off. Lutho Sipamla hangs back again, looking to pull but only manages to get it off the cue end of the bat. The ball ends up going towards a wide first slip where Abhishek Sharma takes a simple catch. India seal a commanding victory by 101 runs!

There is dominance, and then there is absolute supremacy. India have not just overpowered the Proteas in every department, they have blown them away to their lowest ever T20I total in history. Was 175 always going to be enough on this wicket? To be very honest, it looked 10 to 15 short at the halfway mark, but it proved to be just the right total for India to squeeze out a commanding win with a margin of 101 runs. South Africa's lean run in the shortest format continues and this is their first

It was that kind of a pitch where you could not afford to have doubts in your mind. Also, it was not easy to swing through the line here. Arshdeep struck with just the second ball to send de Kock back for a duck, and soon enough, he trapped Stubbs as well. But the real knockout punch came when Axar, off his very first delivery, deceived Markram, who was just beginning to find his rhythm. There was dew for sure, but the ball was skidding through and keeping the batters on edge. Finishing the Powe

The Proteas were forced into a rebuild mode, but with Miller also falling without making much of a dent, they slipped into deep trouble. After that, India simply refused to let the visitors breathe. A few batters scratched their way into the teens, but none could push on, and at 68/6, Dewald Brevis was left alone to fight the battle. There was very little he could manage before Bumrah cleaned him up and brought up his 100 T20I wickets. Axar and Dube then mopped up the tail to wrap things up in s

What a strong comeback this has been for Hardik Pandya! After being out of action since the Asia Cup, he returned and smashed a match-winning 59 that lifted India to a fighting total, and then chipped in with a wicket as well. When it came to partnerships, the contrast was stark. South Africa managed just one stand that went past 20 runs, while India stitched together three partnerships of over 30. It was this ability to build pressure through consistent partnerships that made all the differen

Earlier in the game, South Africa won the toss and put India in to bat first. The surface had two paces to it, and India were rocked early as Gill and SKY fell cheaply inside the Powerplay itself. This was not a belter where 200 was on the cards, and the batters needed to show respect to the good deliveries. But just as a partnership looked like taking shape, the Proteas kept breaking through at crucial moments. It was a blend of sharp fielding and smart bowling that did the trick. Multiple batt

Arshdeep Singh of India is down for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He says that his thought process was simple and to use the help in the wicket early on. Adds that if you were hitting the seam hard, the ball was either bouncing or seaming, which helped in taking wickets. Reckons that he bowled full and got a wicket, but then got hit for a few boundaries as well on the fuller length. Says that he just congratulated Jasprit Bumrah on joining him in the 100 wickets club. Further adds that he

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

The captain of South Africa, Aiden Markram, reflects on the defeat. He says there were some positive signs with the ball and in the field. Admits that from the batting point of view, it was disappointing and that it is something that happens in this format of the game. On the surface, he highlights that it was a bit sticky and had a tennis ball bounce as well. Stresses on drawing the line on this outing and come back strongly in the next game. Feels that 175 was a gettable total but also admits

The victorious captain of India, Suryakumar Yadav, says that at the toss, they were 50-50 but happy to bat first. Adds that getting to 175 from 48/3 was amazing and credits the likes of Hardik and others for their contribution. Mentions that with 7-8 batters, there will be days where a few batters don't perform and someone else takes up the mantle, which happens. Adds that Arshdeep and Bumrah were the perfect bowlers to start, but also applauds the way Hardik bowled after coming back from an in

Hardik Pandya is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his all-round contribution. He first smashed 59 off just 28 balls and then picked up a wicket as well. He starts by saying that he feels very satisfied with the way he batted and says he backed his shots. Mentions that at some point in time, he had to realise that the wicket had a bit of spice in it and that he needed to be a bit gutsy as well. Highlights that the last 6-7 months have been amazing in terms of preparations and fitness. Says it isn't

Right then, this wraps up the opening T20I in which the Indians have given a strong account of themselves as to why they are a team to beat in this format. They go 1-0 up in the 5-match T20I series. South Africa, on the other hand, have a lot of pondering to do and they have a quick turnaround to assess and find the answers. Both teams will now head to New Chandigarh, as Mullanpur prepares to host its first-ever T20I match. The second game will be played on Thursday, 11th December, with the firs