India crush South Africa as Proteas bowled out for 74

India overwhelmed South Africa in the series opener at Cuttack, winning by 101 runs after bowling the Proteas out for just 74 — their lowest-ever T20 total. Having lost the toss, India posted 175 for 6, powered by Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 59 off 28 balls. Pandya arrived with India struggling at 78-4 in the 12th over and counter-attacked, hitting six fours and four sixes to steer the innings and earn player of the match honours. South Africa’s chase never recovered: they slipped from 45-3 to 74 all out in 12.3 overs as all six Indian bowlers claimed at least one wicket. The 74 is South Africa’s nadir in T20s; their previous low of 87 was also recorded against India in 2022. India’s top order had failed to make a big impact early—Abhishek Sharma scored 17 and Shubman Gill 4—but Pandya’s late surge provided a commanding total. The five-match series is a tune-up for next year’s T20 World Cup in India. India had won the recent ODI series 2-1 after losing the Test series 2-0. On his approach, Pandya said: "I had to back my shots. I realised the wicket had a bit of spice. I had to be a bit gutsy. It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting."