Hardik Pandya smashed a sparkling unbeaten 28-ball 59 and the bowling attack rose to the occasion as India defeated South Africa by a massive 101 runs in the first T20I here on Tuesday.

Returning to international cricket after recovering from quadricep injury, Pandya smashed six fours and four sixes to lift India to 175 for six.

Tilak Varma (26) and Axar Patel (23) also chipped in with useful contributions after South Africa asked India to bat first.

In reply, South Africa folded for just 74 in 12.3 overs with Dewald Brevis (22) emerging as the top-scorer. It was South Africa’s lowest-ever score in T20I cricket as all Indian bowlers chipped in with wickets, including Arshdeep Singh (2/14), Varun Chakaravarthy (2/19), Jasprit Bumrah (2/17), Axar Patel (2/7), Shivam Dube (1/1) and Pandya (1/16).

Earlier, Lungi Ngidi (3/31) and Lutho Sipamla (2/38) shared five wickets for South Africa.

Brief scores:

India 175 for six in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 59 not out; Lungi Ngidi 3/31).

SA 74 all out in 12.3 overs (Dewald Brevis 22; Axar Patel 2/7).

Also read: India out to extend winning streak in T20 WC precursor