Team India registered a comprehensive 101-run victory in the first T20I against South Africa on Tuesday, December 9, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Courtesy of the win, India took an early 1-0 lead in the five-match series.The hosts batted first after losing the toss and managed to score a respectable total of 175/6 in 20 overs. All-rounder Hardik Pandya stole the show with an impactful knock of 59*(28), while the rest of his teammates struggled for rhythm on a tricky pitch. Pacer Lungi Ngidi picked up three wickets for the Proteas in the bowling department.Indian bowling attack then put on a brilliant collective effort and bundled out South Africa for just 74 in 12.3 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy picked up two wickets apiece, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube scalped one wicket each.The one-sided first T20I between India and South Africa entertained the fans. They expressed their reactions by sharing hilarious memes on X (formerly known as Twitter). One post read:"T20 ka dhurandhar""I was very satisfied the way I was batting" - Hardik Pandya after his match-winning knock in 1st IND vs SA 2025 T20IDuring the post-match presentations, Hardik Pandya received the Player of the Match award for his brilliant all-round performance in the first T20I. Reflecting on his knock in the first innings, Pandya said:"I had to back my shots. At the same point of time I realized that the wicket had a bit of spice. It was more about timing the ball and not trying to break ball. I was very satisfied the way I was batting. The last 6-7 months have been amazing from a fitness standpoint. I don't make a big deal about the hard work that goes in behind the scenes, the last 50 days, being away from your loved ones and spending time at the NCA, it feels satisfying when the result comes like this."He continued:"As a cricketer I don't think I have ever been fussy about what role I have. I have always been motivated that it does not matter what Hardik Pandya wants, it matters what India wants. Some days are good, some days are not but it's the mindset that helps me. I've always tried to put my team first - that's my biggest USP and that has always helped me."The two teams will now travel north to Chandigarh, where the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur will host the second T20I on Thursday (December 11).