Hardik Pandya makes memorable return, inspires India to big win over South Africa

Hardik Pandya missed international cricket for two months with an injury, but it turns out India had missed him more as the all-rounder starred in a solid 101-run win in the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack on Tuesday.

India bundled out the visitors for 74 in 12.3 overs after posting 175/6, which was constructed by a brilliant 59 not out from Pandya.

India used six bowlers, and everyone claimed at least a wicket, with pacers Arshdeep Singh and Jaspreet Bumrah and spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel bagging two apiece. Bumrah dismissed David Miller in his first ball, while Shiva Dube wrapped up the proceedings by removing Simpala. Dewald Brevis was the top scorer for South Africa with 22.

Earlier, Pandya smashed four sixes and six boundaries in his 28-ball innings.

The visitors made sure to disrupt India's game plan by removing the swashbuckling opening pair of Shubman Gill (4) and Abhishek Sharma (17) early. India lost the top three just after the powerplay overs as skipper Suryakumar Yadav became Lungi Ngidi's second victim of the night.

Tilak Varma (26) and Axar Patel (23) kept the scoreboard moving, but it wasn't until Pandya arrived that the runs kept flowing.

Jitesh Sharma, who was preferred ahead of Sanju Samson in the wicketkeeper-batter role, made 10 not out off five.

Brief scores: India 175/6 in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 59 not out, Tilak Varma 26, Lungi Ngidi 3/31, Lutho Simpala 2/38) bt South Africa 74 in 12.3 overs (Dewald Brevis 22, Axar 2/7, Arshdeep 2/14, Bumrah 2/17, Chakravarthy 2/19)