Chasing down a record total of 212 runs, South Africa clinched the first T20I match against India in Delhi by 7 wickets, thanks to great batting from David Miller (64* off 31 balls) and Rassie van der Dussen (75* off 46 balls).
The Proteas lost wickets at regular intervals in their chase and were 81/3 when Miller and Van der Dussen stepped in to save the day. While Van der Dussen went through a little bit of struggle at first, Miller started hitting the Indian bowlers all around the park right from the word go.
The duo put up an undefeated fourth-wicket stand of 131 runs, with both scoring half-centuries.
India captain Rishabh Pant expressed regret after the game but recognized that the team had a sufficient total on the board.
“We had enough on the board, but I think we were a little off with the execution. But sometimes you got to give credit to the opposition. Miller and RvD batted well. Slower balls were working when we batted, but the wicket got better in the second innings. Mostly we executed our plans (to Miller) but the wicket got better and better. We were very happy with the total but next time we are in a similar situation we will do better," Pant said after the match.
After being sent to bat first, India ended their innings with 211 runs on the board, at the loss of 4 wickets. Ishan Kishan got the team going with his scintillating knock of 76 runs off 48 balls, while Hardik Pandya played the perfect finisher’s knock as he scored 31*(12).
South Africa has taken a lead of 1-0 in the five-match T20I series. The second T20I will be played in Cuttack on June 12.
(Firstpost input)
