New Delhi: Arshdeep Singh delivered another incisive new-ball spell to equal Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s record for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in T20I powerplay overs. The milestone came during the first T20I against South Africa at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, where the left-arm pacer struck twice inside the opening overs to set the tone for a commanding win.
He opened India’s defence by removing Quinton de Kock for a duck with his second delivery of the innings, beating the batter with movement and pace. His next breakthrough came in the third over when Tristan Stubbs edged behind, giving Arshdeep his second wicket and taking his powerplay tally to 47. This placed him level with Bhuvneshwar, who had held the record since 2022.
India’s attack maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy also claimed two wickets each, while Shivam Dube completed the job by taking the final scalp. The visitors were bowled out for 74 in just 12.3 overs, marking their lowest T20I total against India.
Earlier in the match, India posted 175 for six after being put in to bat. Hardik Pandya, playing his first international game since September 2025, made a powerful return with a 28-ball 59 that transformed the innings. His effort at number six lifted India from a testing phase and provided the momentum the side needed. He later struck with the ball as well, taking a wicket with the first delivery of his spell.
The 101-run victory handed India a strong start to the five-match series. The teams will now move to Mullanpur for the second T20I on Thursday, followed by matches in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad as the series progresses.
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