Hardik Pandya Breaks Records as India Defeat South Africa in Series Decider

India ended 2025 on a high as Hardik Pandya’s record-breaking century powered the hosts to a commanding 30-run victory over South Africa in the fifth and final T20I on Friday. The emphatic win sealed the five-match series 3-1, underlining India’s dominance in the shortest format.

Pandya’s explosive knock, supported by a fluent innings from Tilak Varma, laid the foundation for India’s imposing total, before a disciplined bowling effort led by Varun Chakravarthy dismantled the South African chase.

Hardik Pandya’s Explosive Century Sets the Tone

Second-Fastest T20I Fifty by an Indian

Hardik Pandya tore into the South African bowling attack with a breathtaking hundred, reaching his half-century in just 16 balls, the second fastest by an Indian. His assault propelled India to a daunting 231 for 5, a total that proved beyond South Africa’s reach.

Pandya’s knock of 63 off 25 balls was laced with five sixes and five fours, showcasing sheer power and clean striking. It was his seventh T20I half-century, with only Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball fifty against England in 2007 remaining ahead of him in the record books.

Tilak Varma Provides the Perfect Support

A Fluent 73 Keeps the Momentum Alive

While Pandya played the aggressor, Tilak Varma ensured the innings never lost momentum. He scored a well-paced 73 off 42 balls, striking 10 fours and a six, blending aggression with intelligent strike rotation.

The duo added 105 runs off just 44 balls for the fourth wicket, rescuing India at a time when the scoring rate had briefly dipped and propelling the hosts to a formidable total.

Strong Start from India’s Openers

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson Lay the Platform

India’s innings began with early fireworks from Abhishek Sharma (34) and Sanju Samson (37), who stitched together a 63-run opening partnership. Both batters played fearlessly, taking on the South African pacers and providing a solid launchpad.

Samson, opening in the absence of injured vice-captain Shubman Gill, looked particularly assured. He struck a six over wide long-on off Marco Jansen and followed it up with two authoritative hits down the ground off Ottneil Baartman.

However, Samson’s promising knock ended when George Linde produced a delivery that pitched on leg stump, gripped, and crashed into the middle stump.

Pandya’s Presence Lifts the Crowd

Brutal Power at a Familiar Venue

Pandya walked out to loud chants at his former IPL home ground, at a time when India captain Suryakumar Yadav (5) endured another failure. What followed was a display of brute force, with Pandya repeatedly sending the ball deep into the stands of the world’s largest stadium.

Such was the power on display that one of Pandya’s sixes reportedly injured a broadcast crew member, leaving a visible bruise, while several shots landed 10 rows behind the boundary, much to the delight of spectators.

South Africa’s Chase: Bright Start, Sudden Collapse

De Kock Leads the Fight

Chasing 232, South Africa stayed in contention as long as Quinton de Kock remained at the crease. The opener smashed 65, attacking early and taking 14 runs off Arshdeep Singh in a single powerplay over.

De Kock added 51 runs off 23 balls for the second wicket with Dewald Brevis (31), and by the halfway stage, South Africa appeared well placed to mount a serious challenge.

Turning Point: Bumrah and Pandya Strike Back

De Kock’s Dismissal Changes the Game

Just as the chase gathered momentum, Jasprit Bumrah deceived De Kock in the 11th over, forcing a return catch that the Indian bowler held on to. In the following over, Pandya (1/41) removed Brevis with a well-directed bouncer.

From there, South Africa’s innings began to unravel rapidly.

Varun Chakravarthy Orchestrates the Collapse

Four-Wicket Haul Breaks South Africa’s Backbone

Varun Chakravarthy delivered the decisive blows, finishing with figures of 4-0-53-4. He struck twice in successive deliveries in the 13th over, trapping Aiden Markram leg-before while attempting a paddle sweep and then bowling Donovan Ferreira with a delivery that sneaked through his defence.

South Africa lost seven wickets for 81 runs, sliding from 120/1 in the 11th over to a subdued 201 for 8.

India Seal Comprehensive Series Win

Bowlers Finish the Job

David Miller’s mistimed shot off Arshdeep Singh in the 15th over effectively ended South Africa’s hopes. Arshdeep and Bumrah closed out the innings efficiently, with Bumrah returning impressive figures of 2 for 17.

Earlier, Reeza Hendricks endured another disappointing outing, his dismissal highlighted by a sharp one-handed catch from Shivam Dube at midwicket.

Final Result at a Glance

Series Wrapped Up in Style

• India: 231/5

• South Africa: 201/8

• Result: India won by 30 runs

• Series: India won 5-match series 3-1