Marco Jansen pulled off a sensational catch to dismiss Abhishek Sharma during the opening T20I between India and South Africa in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9. The World No. 1 T20I batter looked set after a brisk start but walked back for 17 off 12 deliveries following Jansen’s stunning athletic effort.
The moment unfolded in the seventh over when Abhishek took on Lutho Sipamla, striking consecutive boundaries through mid-wicket and extra cover. Sensing the pressure, Sipamla delivered a slower ball drifting down leg.
Abhishek attempted to guide it fine, but Jansen sprinted nearly 11 metres before diving full length to complete a brilliant catch at deep fine leg. The effort once again highlighted why the tall left-arm quick is regarded as one of the most agile fielders in world cricket.
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South Africa’s bowlers had already made early inroads after Aiden Markram opted to bowl first. Lungi Ngidi set the tone with a fiery spell inside the powerplay, removing both skipper Suryakumar Yadav (12 off 11) and Shubman Gill (4 off 2) to rattle India early. Jansen’s catch to dismiss Abhishek added to India’s woes, leaving the hosts reeling at 69/3 after 9.3 overs, with Tilak Varma (22 off 25) and Axar Patel (9 off 7) attempting to rebuild.
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India entered the contest with a strengthened squad featuring the return of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who played his first T20I since recovering from the quad injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025. Shubman Gill also returned to the XI, but India surprisingly left out in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.
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For South Africa, this series offers a chance to bounce back after their 2-1 defeat to Pakistan in their previous T20I assignment. Meanwhile, India are looking to extend their dominant run in the format, having not lost a bilateral T20I series since lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup.
