Follow UsIn a high-scoring thriller at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, South Africa chased 212 runs with seven wickets to spare to clinch the first T20I against India on Thursday, June 9.
Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller forged a crucial 131-run stand for the fourth wicket to propel the team to the mammoth run chase with five balls remaining and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The win comes nearly two weeks after the end of the Indian Premier League, which had over 10 Proteas players, including the title-winning Miller plying their trade for various franchises.
While van der Dussen played only three matches for Rajasthan Royals, Miller played a critical part for champions Gujarat Titans in their debut season with 481 runs in 16 innings.
"I watched a lot of IPL games and had a pretty good idea what their bowlers would do and the conditions, " van der Dussen said in a post-match conference.
"I spent two months here, been in the conditions, been in the heat, so had acclimatised to that, and that goes to everyone. We had a lot of guys in the IPL this year, and that's helped us in the first game to adapt quicker and get over the line," he further added.
The 33-year old was well-supported by David Miller, who smashed an unbeaten 64 off 31 deliveries studded with four boundaries and five sixes. The southpaw was named the player of the match for his heroics to help South Africa halt India's 12-match win streak.
"It's belief. I have been around for some time now, but understanding and winning games give you a lot more confidence," said Miller. "I am pretty open to bat anywhere and just want to make a difference."
The two sides will now lock horns on Sunday, June 12, at the Barabati Stadium, in Cuttack.
(With inputs from AFP)