IND vs SA 2025 1st T20: Jasprit Bumrah equals world record after Hardik Pandya fifty as India post MASSIVE win

Hardik Pandya smashed a brilliant unbeaten 28-ball 59 as India secured a massive 101-run win over South Africa in the first T20I at Cuttack.

New Delhi: Hardik Pandya made a spectacular comeback to international cricket on Tuesday, as she smashed a brilliant unbeaten 28-ball 59 as India secured a massive 101-run win over South Africa in the first T20I at Cuttack. Returning to the national side after nearly three months on the sidelines due to a quadriceps injury, Pandya displayed his trademark power-hitting, hitting six fours and four sixes to guide India to a fighting total of 175 for six in 20 overs.

Jasprit Bumrah scripted history during first T20I vs SA

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah created history in Cuttack as he became the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets across all three formats Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, whereas he also became only the fifth bowler worldwide to take 100 wickets in all three international formats, joining the elite list which includes Tim Southee, Lasith Malinga, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rashid Khan. He is the first Indian ever to achieve this remarkable feat.

𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐒 🎯#JaspritBumrah marks a landmark in his T20I career with 100 wickets for India! 💥#INDvSA, 1st T20I, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/tqu4j7Svcm pic.twitter.com/nRPi1SX5ur

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 9, 2025

After India was asked to bat first, they struggled as wickets fell at regular intervals. However, Pandya anchored the innings with his fearless stroke play, while Tilak Varma (26) and Axar Patel (23) contributed crucial support, ensuring India posted a total that would eventually prove insurmountable.

South Africa was bundled out for just 74 runs in 12.3 overs

In response, South Africa’s innings collapsed as they were bundled out for just 74 runs in 12.3 overs, recording their lowest-ever score in T20I cricket. Dewald Brevis was the top-scorer with 22, but no other batter could provide resistance against India’s relentless bowling attack.

Arshdeep Singh led the charge with 2/14, supported by Varun Chakaravarthy (2/19), Jasprit Bumrah (2/17), Axar Patel (2/7), Shivam Dube (1/1), and Pandya (1/16), who shared the wickets efficiently to dismantle the South African batting line-up. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi (3/31) and Lutho Sipamla (2/38) were the only bowlers to make an impact with the ball during India’s innings.

Pandya’s 28 ball knock kept India on top throughout

Pandya’s fearless innings was a statement of intent, not just for his return but for the series as a whole. His 28-ball blitz, studded with boundaries and sixes, kept India on top throughout and earned him standing ovations from the dugout, including from captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

India’s victory highlighted their dominance in all departments. The win not only marked a perfect comeback for Hardik Pandya but also sent a strong signal to South Africa as the series continues.