New Delhi: David Miller reproduced his IPL form to power South Africa to a 7-wicket win in the first T20 International against India at Ferozeshah Kotla on Thursday night.
After India posted an imposing 211 for 4, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s 48-ball 76 and Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 31 off 12 balls, South Africa reached the target with 5 balls to spare.
Miller, who played a stellar role in debutants Gujarat Titans’ IPL triumph, smashed 64 off 31 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes, while Rassie van der Dussen stepped it up after a slow start to remain 75 not out off 46 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes).
The Indian bowlers didn’t know what struck them as Rassie and Miller put on an unbroken 131-run stand in a mere 10-and-a-half overs.
It was South Africa’s highest successful chase in a T20 International, and brought India’s 12-match winning streak to an end.
The teams will now travel to Bhubaneswar for the second match of the series to be played at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium on June 12 (Sunday).
Scores: India 211/4 in 20 overs. South Africa 212/3 in 19.1 overs.
Result: South Africa won by 7 wickets.
Next match: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack (from 7 pm).
