New Delhi: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a flying return to international cricket with a match-winning performance in the opening match of the five-T20I series against South Africa in Cuttack on Tuesday. Making a comeback after a two-month injury lay-off, Pandya played a sensational knock to turn the tide in India’s favour and picked up an important wicket of David Miller to put more dent in the run-chase of South Africa, who eventually folded for 101, in chase of 176.

Pandya’s 28-ball 59 breathed life into India’s lifeless innings, which was going nowhere until the arrival of the star cricketer.

He hit four maximums during his blazing knock to power India to a strong total of 175 for 6, and in the process became only the fourth Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in T20I cricket.

See Full Page