Miller, Van der Dussen fire South Africa to win over India

@OfficialCSA/ Twitter

David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen smashed blistering half-centuries to lead South Africa to a thrilling seven-wicket win over India in the first Twenty20 International in Delhi on Thursday.

Chasing 212 for victory, South Africa's top order wobbled but Miller and Van der Dussen plundered 131 runs from around 10 overs in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand to secure victory with five balls remaining.

Van der Dussen made 75 not out off 46 balls, which included five sixes.

Miller's unbeaten 64 off 31 balls also contained five sixes as South Africa pulled off their biggest successful chase in T20 cricket.

The defeat ended India's 12-match winning streak in this format.

Earlier, Ishan Kishan smashed 76 off 48 balls to set the tone for India who posted a strong 211-4 after being put into bat.

Kishan forged half-century partnerships with Ruturaj Gaikwad (23) and Shreyas Iyer (36) as the hosts cruised to 102-1 at the halfway stage of their innings.

Keshav Maharaj ended Kishan's blitz after conceding two sixes and two fours in an eventful 13th over.

Kishan's 80-run partnership with Iyer came at a two-run-a-ball rate and India did not take their foot off the pedal.

Skipper Rishabh Pant made 29 and vice-captain Hardik Pandya smashed 31 not out off 12 balls as they comfortably passed the 200-mark.

South Africa lost skipper Temba Bavuma and Dwaine Pretorius (29) inside the first six overs.

But Miller and van der Dussen put South Africa's chase back on track with scintillating power-hitting to deny the hosts.

India have rested several frontline players, including regular captain Rohit Sharma and stalwart Virat Kohli.

KL Rahul, who was to lead the side in Rohit's absence, will miss the series due to a groin injury and Pant is filling in as captain.

The second game in the five-match series is in Cuttack on Sunday.

More from Sports News

  • Zimbabwe stun Australia to stay unbeaten in T20 World Cup

    Australia were dealt an early blow in their quest to reach the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup after the depleted former champions crashed to a 23-run defeat by Zimbabwe in Colombo on Friday.

  • Arsenal miss chance to go six points clear with draw at Brentford

    Arsenal has wasted the chance to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Brentford on Thursday, with Noni Madueke's second-half header cancelled out by Keane Lewis-Potter.

  • India thump Namibia ahead of Pakistan clash

    Defending champions India continued their march towards the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup with a 93-run win over Namibia in a group A contest at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday.

  • Italy crush Nepal in maiden T20 World Cup victory

    Brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca guided Twenty20 World Cup debutants Italy to their first win in the tournament, as their unbeaten half-centuries secured a dominant 10-wicket victory over Nepal in a Group C clash on Thursday.

  • Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships reveals major expansion plan

    The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will usher in the start of a new era for one of the Middle East’s most iconic sporting events with plans revealed for an extensive two-phase redevelopment that will transform the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and surrounding Aviation Club Tennis Complex.

News