India capped off a dominant home season with a commanding all-round display in Ahmedabad, defeating South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth and final T20I to seal the series 3–1. The victory marked India’s eighth consecutive T20I series win, a streak stretching back to December 2023. A raucous Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed momentum swings, explosive strokeplay and decisive middle-over bowling. While South Africa threatened briefly through Quinton de Kock’s counterattack, India’s depth and composure ultimately proved decisive.
IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma power India to a towering total
India’s imposing total of 232 for five was built on a foundation of fearless intent and sustained acceleration, with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma turning a solid platform into a statement score. After an aggressive powerplay from Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson ensured early momentum, the innings briefly stalled following Samson’s dismissal just as he looked set. That lull was emphatically shattered once Pandya walked in. Embracing the atmosphere at his former IPL home, Pandya launched a brutal assault, punishing anything short or full and muscling even well-directed deliveries deep into the stands.
His 16-ball half-century, the second fastest by an Indian in T20Is, flipped the match on its head and left South Africa scrambling for containment. At the other end, Tilak provided balance and clarity, rotating strike smartly before unfurling crisp drives and calculated lofted shots. The duo’s 105-run stand off just 44 balls transformed a competitive score into an intimidating one. Tilak’s composure ensured the momentum never dipped after Pandya’s dismissal, while late contributions kept the run rate soaring. By the end of the innings, South Africa were staring at a daunting chase on a surface offering little margin for error.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for India in T20I cricket ft. Hardik Pandya – IND vs SA
IND vs SA: Varun Chakravarthy triggers South African collapse as India shut the door
South Africa’s pursuit began with intent as Quinton de Kock attacked early, particularly targeting Arshdeep Singh to keep the asking rate in check. Even as Washington Sundar bowled a quietly effective powerplay spell, the visitors surged to a strong start, reaching 99 for one by the ninth over with de Kock in full flow. The contest hung delicately balanced at the halfway mark, but India seized control through precision and patience. The turning point arrived with Jasprit Bumrah’s timely return, when de Kock mistimed a slower offcutter and offered a sharp return catch, ending South Africa’s best hope.
From there, Varun Chakravarthy took centre stage. Mixing pace, dip and sharp turn, he dismantled the middle order, removing key batters and choking scoring options as pressure mounted. Pandya complemented him with clever changes of pace, forcing miscues into the deep on the vast square boundaries. A rapid cluster of wickets turned a chase into a scramble, and once Varun bowled George Linde with a classic googly, the outcome was beyond doubt. Though Marco Jansen briefly threatened with late blows, Bumrah slammed the door shut, ensuring India closed the match with authority.
Also WATCH: Shivam Dube takes a sublime one handed catch to dismiss Reeza Hendricks during 5th T20I in Ahmedabad
Here’s how fans reacted:
Say whatever you want….after Virat and Rohit, if there’s any true star in Indian cricket, it’s Hardik Pandya. His style, his aura….on the field or off it….everything is different. He’s one of a kind, in his own league.
— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) December 19, 2025
It’s not easy defending targets at Ahmedabad, Hardik and Tilak partnership ensured India got an above par score. VC is a weapon in the middle overs, and Bumrah is a cheat code. Good series win against a really good SA side. Well played Team India 👏 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/SHNhiiGASe
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 19, 2025
This is brilliant hitting from Hardik 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 19, 2025
Master of trickery aka V4RUN 🔥
📸: @BCCI
Varun Chakaravarthy | Play With Fire | IND vs SA pic.twitter.com/ROGT8pA8jP
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 19, 2025
MI scouts peaked with the discovery of Hardik. A guy who could smack 16 ball 50 can also give you 3 or even 4 overs on any given day. Can’t grow such a clutch cricketer even in lab. pic.twitter.com/43oY1ae1wO
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) December 19, 2025
HARDIK PANDYA PLAYS CRICKET JUST TO FARM AURAAAA
— Kevin (@imkevin149) December 19, 2025
Sorry, Akshaye Khanna, but Hardik Pandya is the biggest aura farmer
— ` (@chixxsays) December 19, 2025
Number 1 T20I bowler for a reason!!!!! Varun Chakravarthy magic.🪄
Bumrah + Varun is a nightmare for the opposition. 🎃
— Bhawana (@cricbhawana) December 19, 2025
Varun so far has been a cheat code for us. Rare W from GG
— Udit (@udit_buch) December 19, 2025
India won the T20I series 3-1 💯🏆#INDvsSA #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/eEWW1GMV5f
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 19, 2025
