Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has said that if Hardik Pandya didn’t play the 28-ball 59-run knock, the hosts would not have had many runs to defend, adding that it did not make a lot of difference, since South Africa were bowled out for just 74 while chasing 176.

India found themselves in trouble on a tricky track after being sent in to bat, but Pandya sparked a turnaround, joining the crease at 78/4 in the 12th over.

After South Africa elected to bat first on a tricky red-soil track, India struggled, but Pandya’s commanding 59* off 28 deliveries steadied the innings, helping India post a competitive 175/6.

India’s total proved more than sufficient as their bowlers dominated, skittling South Africa for just 74, only 15 more than Pandya’s individual score, handing India a c

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