Hardik Pandya’s 16-Ball Fifty Powers India Past South Africa to Seal T20I Series 3-1 – Obnews

India signed off the five match T20I series in style on December 19, 2025, defeating South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to clinch the series 3-1. Put in to bat first, India piled up a commanding 231 for 5, then held their nerve as South Africa’s chase ended at 201 for 8. The win completed a strong white ball comeback for India after earlier setbacks on the tour, and capped the year with a statement performance.

The match turned decisively in India’s favour through a brutal middle and death overs assault led by Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. Tilak anchored the innings with 73 off 42 balls, while Hardik produced the knockout blow with 63 off 25, reaching his half century in just 16 balls. That 16 ball fifty placed him in the record books as the second fastest by an Indian in men’s T20Is, behind Yuvraj Singh’s 12 ball milestone.

At one stage, India were 115 for 3 and risked finishing below a truly elite total, but the fourth wicket stand changed everything. Hardik and Tilak stitched together a 105 run partnership in only 44 balls, flipping the match from competitive to near impossible for the visitors. Their surge pushed India beyond 200 with ease and gave the bowlers a target that allowed them to attack rather than defend.

South Africa’s reply had early momentum, with Quinton de Kock leading the charge, but India’s bowling tightened at key moments. Varun Chakravarthy delivered the defining spell, finishing with four wickets as he repeatedly broke partnerships and stopped South Africa from keeping pace with the required run rate. Hardik also contributed with the ball, adding a wicket to complete an impactful all round performance on the night.

With the series secured 3-1, India now turn attention to their next assignment, a home series against New Zealand beginning January 11. For South Africa, the final scoreline will sting because the chase showed flashes of threat, but India’s late batting explosion and Varun’s wicket taking spell ultimately proved too much to overcome.