Hardik Pandya reminded everyone why he is India’s most valuable T20I cricketer, producing a blistering unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls to lift the hosts to 175 for 6 in the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack. On a surface that kept the batters guessing with extra bounce and movement, India were reeling at 104 for 5 in the 14th over when Pandya walked in and changed the tone of the innings with remarkable clarity and power.

India’s innings began poorly after Aiden Markram opted to field. Lungi Ngidi struck early to remove Shubman Gill and continued to cause trouble through the powerplay, picking up two wickets in his opening spell. Abhishek Sharma, who looked the most fluent of the top order, fell soon after the field restrictions were lifted.

India vs South Africa 1st T20I: Live Up

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