Razeen Gutta
Rassie Van Der Dussen and David Miller put on an unbeaten 131-run stand to chase down 212 in a thrilling first of five T20 internationals against India in Delhi.
The visitors won the toss and elected to chase, with India getting the upper hand with the bat. Openers Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 57 in the powerplay before a returning Wayne Parnell got the breakthrough.
Shreyas Iyer joined Kishan at the crease with the pair getting the hosts to 137/2 after 13 overs. Kishan scored 76 off 48 deliveries which was followed by good cameos from Hardik Pandya (31*) and first-time Indian skipper Rishabh Pant (29).
The total looked too much for South Africa with two wickets falling in the powerplay. Quinton de Kock and Dwayne Pretorius kept the run rate up, however, making for an interesting second half of the innings.
Needing just over 12 runs an over in the final 12 overs, with Miller and Van Der Dussen at the crease, the game did seem to be slightly out of SA’s reach.
When Van Der Dussen faced a flurry of dot balls Miller struck some big blows, racing to his half century off just 22 deliveries.
The final few overs saw Van Der Dussen find his feet as well, finishing on 75 off 46 with seven fours and five sixes, and hitting the winning runs with five balls to spare.
The second T20 international between the two sides takes place in Cuttack on Sunday afternoon.
