Four red flags for Proteas as India power to 101 run win, with South Africa folding for record-low 74

WITH the T20 World Cup looming in just a few months, the start of South Africa’s tour of India could hardly have gone more wrong. The first T20 International — a 101-run drubbing at the hands of India — leaves the Proteas staring down a long road if they hope to be serious contenders for even a play-off berth.

We look at four alarm bells, and the waving red flags that should have the Proteas coach really concerned.

1. From 176 to 74 — the tale of two innings

Invited to bat first in Cuttack, India stumbled early, losing four top-order wickets and teetering at 78/4 in the 12th over. Then things shifted — and dramatically. All-rounder Hardik Pandya rescued the innings with a blazing 59 not out off 28 balls, laced with six fours and four maximums, lifting India to a competitive 175/6.

That total proved far too hot for South Africa. The Proteas collapsed to a dismal 74 all out in just 12.3 overs — their lowest total ever in T20 Internationals. Only four batters reached double digits, with Dewald Brevis the top-scorer on 22. 

2. Bowling breakdown — India’s dominance, SA’s collapse

India’s bowling attack was immaculate. Six bowlers were used — and all took wickets. Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel each grabbed multiple victims. Pandya himself added a wicket to complete a brutal, disciplined display. 

For South Africa, a promising start with the ball faded quickly. Lungi Ngidi grabbed some early scalps, but the bowlers could not stop India from posting a strong total — and later failed to cope with the relentless pressure on a pitch that offered bounce and movement.

3. Batting nightmare — a collapse of confidence and composure

The Proteas’ batting showed few signs of resistance. After Quinton de Kock edged the second ball of the chase to second slip — bowled by Arshdeep Singh — the innings unravelled almost immediately. 

Tristan Stubbs, back in the side, got in with a few promising drives, but fell without momentum. David Miller, making his return to international cricket, lasted for just a single before departing. 

As the wickets tumbled, the numbers on the scoreboard slowed to a crawl – and eventually came to a screeching halt. Safe to say, the Proteas never looked in control.

4. What comes next? Can SA recover in time?

This result offers a grim early warning for South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup. If their performance in Cuttack is any indication, they will need more than adjustments — perhaps a fundamental re-think.

The concerns are many: lack of batting depth under pressure, inability to build meaningful partnerships, and bowling that cannot contain a disciplined, full-unit attack. If these issues persist, South Africa may struggle not just to make play-offs — but even to compete.

Yet all is not lost. A five-match series remains, giving the Proteas a chance to assess, regroup, and retool. With the World Cup still months away, there is time for course correction. They must rediscover composure under pressure and resilience in adverse conditions.

Expectations may have been high. But after a night like this, the focus must shift from promise to performance.

SCOREBOARD

1st T20I 

India: 175/6 (Pandya 59*, Ngidi 3/31, Sipamla 2/38)

Proteas: 74 all out (Brevis 22, Singh 2/14, Bumrah 2/17)

Result: India won by 101 runs, lead series 1-0