IND vs SA 1st T20I Results

5:14 PM IST Right then, this wraps up the opening T20I in which the Indians have given a strong account of themselves as to why they are a team to beat in this format. They go 1-0 up in the 5-match T20I series. South Africa, on the other hand, have a lot of pondering to do and they have a quick turnaround to assess and find the answers. Both teams will now head to New Chandigarh, as Mullanpur prepares to host its first-ever T20I match. The second game will be played on Thursday, 11th December, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT). But do not forget to join us a bit earlier for all the pre-match buzz and analysis. Until then, take care, stay safe. Cheers!

5:13 PM IST Hardik Pandya is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his all-round contribution. He first smashed 59 off just 28 balls and then picked up a wicket as well. He starts by saying that he feels very satisfied with the way he batted and says he backed his shots. Mentions that at some point in time, he had to realise that the wicket had a bit of spice in it and that he needed to be a bit gutsy as well. Highlights that the last 6-7 months have been amazing in terms of preparations and fitness. Says it isn't easy to stay away from your loved ones and spend time at the NCA. Feels very satisfied with the results after making a comeback in the side after being out of action for a few months. States that he doesn't like to make a big deal of the hard work that goes behind the scenes. On being asked about taking down Keshav Maharaj, he says he knew that Keshav wouldn't chase Axar. Admits that he didn't plan that, and it was just that if it came in his arc, he would go for it. Says that his hitting got them a bit of momentum. Ends by saying it is about gamesmanship and identifying the bowlers and taking them down.

5:05 PM IST The victorious captain of India, Suryakumar Yadav, says that at the toss, they were 50-50 but happy to bat first. Adds that getting to 175 from 48/3 was amazing and credits the likes of Hardik and others for their contribution. Mentions that with 7-8 batters, there will be days where a few batters don't perform and someone else takes up the mantle, which happens. Adds that Arshdeep and Bumrah were the perfect bowlers to start, but also applauds the way Hardik bowled after coming back from an injury. Further says that the way they bowled, 175 was a very decent score on the board.

5:03 PM IST The captain of South Africa, Aiden Markram, reflects on the defeat. He says there were some positive signs with the ball and in the field. Admits that from the batting point of view, it was disappointing and that it is something that happens in this format of the game. On the surface, he highlights that it was a bit sticky and had a tennis ball bounce as well. Stresses on drawing the line on this outing and come back strongly in the next game. Feels that 175 was a gettable total but also admits that they could have restricted them 10-15 runs short with the ball, but overall they would have taken this total on any day as well, had they built on some partnerships. Wraps by mentioning that they will surely have a conversation about this performance and reflect seriously.

4:58 PM IST ... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

4:52 PM IST What a strong comeback this has been for Hardik Pandya! After being out of action since the Asia Cup due to a quadricep injury, he returned and smashed a match-winning 59 that lifted India to a fighting total, and then chipped in with a wicket as well. It just looked like he was batting on a completely different track when the other Indian batters found it a bit challenging to time the ball. When it came to partnerships, the contrast was stark. South Africa managed just one stand that went past 20 runs, while India stitched together three partnerships of over 30. It was this ability to build pressure through consistent partnerships that made all the difference in the end.