Hardik Pandya whacks Keshav Maharaj for two sixes in 3 balls in IND vs SA 2025 1st T20I [Watch]

India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya regarded in beast mode in his comeback for the Males in Blue within the T20I sequence opener towards South Africa in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9. The best-handed batter went all weapons blazing towards Keshav Maharaj, hitting him for 2 sixes in three deliveries.

Pandya went hammer and tongs towards Maharaj within the thirteenth over of India’s innings. Maharaj bowled a floated supply on center and leg, and the center order batter latched on to it to clear deep mid-wicket for a towering six. The 32-year-old then cleared his entrance foot supply, benefiting from a tossed-up supply, depositing it over long-on for a most.

Watch the video under:

Hardik Pandya made his comeback to the nationwide aspect after the Asia Cup 2025. The Baroda-born all-rounder took a two-month break, lacking out on the white-ball sequence towards Australia and ODIs towards the Proteas, following a left quadriceps harm.

Hardik Pandya exhibits his intent rapidly after South Africa dominate India in 1st T20I

Hardik Pandya regarded in aggressive mode after South Africa bowlers continued to wreak havoc with the ball within the T20I opener towards India. Notably, Lungi Ngidi dismissed Shubman Gill (4 off 2 balls), Suryakumar Yadav (12 off 11 deliveries), and Tilak Varma (26 off 32). In the meantime, Lutho Sipamla removed Abhishek Sharma (17 off 12) and Axar Patel (23 off 21).

On the time of writing, the Males in Blue have been 121/5 after 15 overs, with Pandya (26 off 11) and Shivam Dube (1 off 2) on the crease. The duo will look to supply a strong end to the Males in Blue.

Crew India, underneath KL Rahul, not too long ago gained the ODI sequence 2-1 towards the Proteas. The Suryakumar Yadav-led aspect will now look to assist the Males in Blue proceed their unbeaten series-winning streak after the 2024 T20 World Cup glory. They not too long ago gained the T20I sequence 2-1 in Australia.

Then again, South Africa will look to bounce again after a 1-2 sequence loss to Pakistan.

Observe the IND vs SA 1st T20I reside rating and updates right here.