The one-off T20I between India and South Africa is done and dusted now. India managed to counter the Proteas’ resistance and closed to win by 101 runs in first of the five-match series.
South Africa had won the toss at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium and elected to field. The call initially worked in Proteas’ favour after 14 overs as India were reeling at 104/5. It was looking as though the visitors would limit Men in Blue to a sub 150-run total but Hardik Pandya’s late Intercontinental ballistic missile like fifty took hosts to 175/6 after the completion of 20 overs.
Pursuing 176 to win, South Africa were dispossessed of Quinton de Kock off the second ball of their chase and labored for impetus once more in their innings. The Indian bowlers then combined in a mercenary unit to tear apart the Proteas’ fragile batting order, taking as little as 74 runs from 12.3 overs.
It was a wonderful evening for the spectators at the Barabati Stadium, and here are three highlights from this T20I match that sparked interest in the cricket world.
1. Hardik Pandya smacks back-to-back sixes
Hardik Pandya announced his return to international cricket in some style following a serene injury layoff. On high after an excellent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, the all-rounder continued the good run in Friday’s game in Cuttack.
MAXIMUMS x 2⃣! 🔥
Hardik Pandya announces his arrival to the crease in style 😎
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/tiemfwcNPh #TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @hardikpandya7 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/dMCrGJDP4T
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 9, 2025Hardik faced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj in his second ball of the match and hit him for a six over mid-wicket. He repeated the measure later in the over, going over cover before clearing the ropes through leg. The pair of sixes set the stall for his innings, which saw him smashing a fiery 59 off 28 balls.
2. Jasprit Bumrah enters elite history club
Jasprit Bumrah added another feather to his cap as he became the first Indian bowler ever to pick 100 wickets in all three formats of international cricket. Considered India’s exceptional fast bowler in all formats, Bumrah had a memorable day on Cuttack return.
Having entered the 100-wicket club in Tests and ODIs before, he reached the T20I mark on December 9 when Dewald Brevis was caught to see him through to a century of wickets in the format. Bumrah is now the second Indian after Arshdeep Singh to take 100 wickets in T20Is.
3. Hardik Pandya’s outrageous shot to reach his fifty
Chasing after all of India tumbled in deep trouble, Hardik Pandya pulled off another match-winning knock. The all-rounder was at his brilliant best as he brought up his half-century in stunning style with a scintillating stroke off Anrich Nortje.
A CRAZY SHOT BY HARDIK TO BRING HIS FIFTY 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/DprFRJoCrF
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 9, 2025On the second delivery of the last over, Nortje banged one short but Hardik played a beautifully timed upper cut that sailed over third-man fielder for a maximum. HIS second hit over mid-wicket, similar to one he struck against Bangladesh last year, took him past fifty in attacking manner. They will wish Hardik doesn’t lose this red-hot form at the T20 World Cup 2026.
