Overview
- Pandya returned from injury to smash 59 not out off 28 balls and claimed 1 for 16, guiding India to 175/6 and earning Player of the Match.
- South Africa were bowled out for 74, their lowest T20I total, as Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel took two wickets each to seal a 1-0 series lead.
- Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince said India’s attack asked “a lot of good questions” and praised Pandya’s calm power and clarity in execution.
- India’s selection direction sharpened with Jitesh Sharma preferred as a lower-order wicketkeeper over Sanju Samson as the team prioritises a dedicated finisher.
- Balance calls persist between Arshdeep’s death bowling value and Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin, with projections suggesting India could stick with a similar XI for Thursday’s second T20I in Mullanpur.