Pandya powers India to series win vs SA

India capped off 2025 with a commanding 30 run victory over South Africa in the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium, sealing the series 3 1. The contest was highlighted by Hardik Pandya’s record breaking blitz, Tilak Varma’s fluent half century, and Varun Chakravarthy’s decisive four wicket haul.
India, batting first, posted a daunting 231/5. The innings was anchored by Pandya’s whirlwind knock of 63 off 25 balls, which included five sixes and five fours. His half century came in just 16 deliveries, making it the second fastest by an Indian in T20 internationals, behind Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12 ball effort against England in 2007. Pandya’s innings was particularly special as it came at his former IPL home ground, where chants of his name echoed across the world’s largest stadium.
Tilak Varma complemented Pandya with a stylish 73 off 42 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and a six.
Together, the duo stitched a 105 run stand off just 44 balls for the fourth wicket, reviving India’s momentum after a brief slowdown. Earlier, Abhishek Sharma (34) and Sanju Samson (37) provided a brisk start, adding 63 runs for the opening wicket.
Samson, opening in place of the injured Shubman Gill, impressed with audacious strokes, including a six off Marco Jansen and two clean hits against Ottneil Baartman.
His promising knock ended when George Linde’s delivery gripped and crashed into his stumps.
Despite the dismissal, Samson’s performance reignited discussions about his potential inclusion in the upcoming World Cup squad.
South Africa’s chase began aggressively, led by Quinton de Kock’s 65 off 35 balls. He punished Arshdeep Singh with six fours and a six in the powerplay, keeping the Proteas in contention.
Partnering with Dewald Brevis (31), De Kock added 51 runs off 23 balls for the second wicket, and at 120/1 in the 11th over, South Africa looked well placed to challenge the target.
However, Jasprit Bumrah’s precision turned the tide. Holding back until the middle overs, Bumrah dismissed De Kock with a clever slower ball that induced a return catch.
Pandya then removed Brevis with a sharp bouncer, and Chakravarthy delivered the killer blows in the 13th over.
He trapped Aiden Markram leg before with a paddle sweep attempt and bowled Donovan Ferreira with a delivery that sneaked past the bat. Chakravarthy finished with figures of 4/53, dismantling South Africa’s middle order.
David Miller’s mistimed shot off Arshdeep in the 15th over sealed South Africa’s fate. From a strong position at 120/1, they collapsed to 201/8, losing seven wickets for just 81 runs. Bumrah’s economical spell (2/17) ensured India maintained control, while Pandya contributed with the ball as well (1/41).
The match also had dramatic moments off the field. A powerful Samson drive struck umpire Rohan Pandit after bursting through Ferreira’s hands, while one of Pandya’s towering sixes injured a broadcast crew member, leaving him with a bruise.
Ultimately, India’s blend of explosive batting and disciplined bowling secured a memorable win. Pandya’s record breaking innings, Tilak’s consistency, and Chakravarthy’s breakthroughs underscored India’s depth and resilience. The 3 1 series triumph not only ended the year on a high but also reinforced India’s credentials ahead of the upcoming global tournaments.
Brief scores
India 231 for 5 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 34, Sanju Samson 37, Tilak Varma 73, Hardik Pandya 63; Corbin Bosch 2/44).
South Africa 201 for 8 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 65, Dewald Brevis 31; Varun Chakravarthy 4/53, Jasprit Bumrah 2/17).