IND VS SA 1ST T20I

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 first ball scheduled to be bowled at 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT). But do not forget to join us a bit earlier for all the pre-match buzz and analysis. Until then, take care, stay safe. Cheers!

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 easy to stay away from your loved ones and spend time at the NCA. Feels very satisfied with the results after making a comeback in the side after being out of action for a few months. States that he doesn't like to make a big deal of the hard work that goes behind the scenes. On being asked about taking down Keshav Maharaj, he says he knew that Keshav wouldn't chase Axar. Admits that he didn't plan that, and it was just that if it came in his arc, he would go for it. Says that his hitting got them a bit of momentum. Ends by saying it is about gamesmanship and identifying the bowlers and taking them down.

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 injury. Further says that the way they bowled, 175 was a very decent score on the board.

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 that they could have restricted them 10-15 runs short with the ball, but overall they would have taken this total on any day as well, had they built on some partnerships. Wraps by mentioning that they will surely have a conversation about this performance and reflect seriously.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

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 and Bumrah try to give the flexibility in the Powerplay and is happy to be travelling to his home venue. Ends by saying that he tries to enjoy whatever help there is in the pitch.

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 batters got themselves in but could not carry on. Then came Hardik Pandya, who flipped the script with a blistering fifty. His late assault saw India plunder 54 runs in the final five overs and drag themselves to a competitive total of 175 on the board. For the Proteas, Lungi Ngidi was the standout with three scalps, while Sipamla grabbed a couple to add to the damage, but was a bit expensive.

What a strong comeback this has been for Hardik Pandya! After being out of action since the Asia Cup due to a quadricep injury, he returned and smashed a match-winning 59 that lifted India to a fighting total, and then chipped in with a wicket as well. It just looked like he was batting on a completely different track when the other Indian batters found it a bit challenging to time the ball. 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 difference in the end.

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 style.

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 Powerplay on 45/3, South Africa desperately needed some stability.

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 this year in the shortest format continues, and this is their first defeat in Cuttack against India after winning in 2015 and 2022.

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!

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!

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.

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

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

Slightly straighter on the pads, tickled down to fine leg for a single by Ngidi.