Rassie van der Dussen (75 not out) and David Miller (64 not out) stitched an unbeaten 131-run stand to take South Africa to a seven-wicket win over India in the series opener at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday.
After Ishan Kishan’s 76 and finishing touches from captain Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya powered India to 211/4, South Africa were in trouble at 81/3 in 8.4 overs, despite a whirlwind Dwaine Pretorius cameo in power-play.
That’s when Miller and van der Dussen joined forces to forge an unbroken stand, enough for the visitors to record their highest chase in T20Is and put an end to India’s 12-match winning streak in the format.
The seven-wicket win also means that South Africa are now 1-0 up in the five-match series.
David Miller, MoM, said, ,’Obviosuly a lot of hard work has gone in over the last few years understanding my game a lot better. You need two players playing a part while chasing. Rassie played phenomenally well at the back end with some big overs. Chuffed with the result. Just try and hang in there was the chat (With Rassie). He was trying to go but he wasn’t getting it. Just about limiting dot balls and waiting for that loose ball. Belief (one thing that has transformed his career). Understanding winning more games and more consistency gives you more belief. I am pretty open to bat anywhere. Just want to make a difference.’