In the first T20I of the ongoing five-match series, South Africa defeated India by seven wickets at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday.
Chasing a humungous 212, the Proteas kept the run-rate sky high despite losing some wickets at the top. The Temba Bavuma-led side did lose three wickets, but the score read 81/3 in 8.4 overs, indicating the run-flow process was at the top level.
Before the hosts could capitalise, the visitors accelerated the run-flow even more, with Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller taking Indian to the cleaners. The duo didn’t waste any time and kept finding regular boundaries to keep the pressure on ‘Men in Blue’.
Van der Dussen and Miller formed an unbeaten 131 runs partnership for the fourth wicket to take South Africa home with five balls to spare. While Van der Dussen stayed undefeated on 75 off 46 balls, Miller remained not out at 64 from 31 deliveries.
Earlier, Ishan Kishan roared back in form in grand style. The left-handed explosive opener smashed a scintillating 76 off 48 balls with the help of 11 fours and three sixes.
Apart from Kishan, new skipper Rishabh Pant (29 off 16) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (31 not out 12) chipped in with valuable contributions in the later stages to help India set up a massive 211/4 on the board in their allotted 20 overs.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
🚨 RESULT | #Proteas WIN BY 7 WICKETS
An incredible unbeaten 131-run partnership between David Miller (64*) and Rassie van der Dussen (75*) saw the #Proteas break the record books in Delhi to go 1-0 up in the 5-match T20I series#INDvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/iYnibtADS1
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 9, 2022
Clean striking, calculated batting. This is a phenomenal partnership between @DavidMillerSA12 and @Rassie72. What stood out was their composure throughout despite high req rate. Well played @OfficialCSA 👏🏽 #INDvsSA
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 9, 2022
हार से निराशा होती है लेकिन अगली बार दम दिखाकर जीत का ‘हार’ पहनने की प्रेरणा भी हार से ही मिलती है। और हां, आज ऋषभ पंत टी20 इंटरनेशनल में देश का दूसरा सबसे यंग कैप्टन बना। साउथ अफ्रीका को रन चेज की बधाई, अपनी टीम को संडे के लिए all the best.#INDvSA
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 9, 2022
Well played, South Africa. Expected SA to be more than competitive…losing Markram was a huge blow but didn’t make a difference in the end. Miller has started from where he’d left in the IPL…and Rassie…ufff…what a turnaround after that drop. #IndvSA
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 9, 2022
This series supposed to be a tough one and South Africans are making sure of it. Team india needs to sort out the bowling, Especially First 5 and last 5 overs! #INDvSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 9, 2022
South Africa won the match from a position 126 to win in last 10 overs.
This is the highest ever target chased down in last ten overs of a T20I chase.#INDvSA
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 9, 2022
Well played, @DavidMillerSA12! #NGL, this one hurt a little… 😊👍#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/nJsYRADOyn
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) June 9, 2022
This is the first time India has lost a T20I match while defending 200+.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 9, 2022
Fantastic run chase from South Africa. India’s 12-match T20I consecutive winning streak comes to an end. Miller & Van der Dussen were terrific
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) June 9, 2022
Unlucky 13. 😔#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #TeamIndia #ನಮ್ಮRCB #INDvSA
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) June 9, 2022
India in last 13 T20Is
v Afghanistan – WON
v Scotland – WON
v Namibia – WON
v New Zealand – WON
v New Zealand – WON
v New Zealand – WON
v West Indies – WON
v West Indies – WON
v West Indies – WON
v Sri Lanka – WON
v Sri Lanka – WON
v Sri Lanka – WON
v South Africa – LOST— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) June 9, 2022
South Africa takes 1-0 lead in the 5-match T20I series.
Scorecard: https://t.co/wrpoDldb03#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/IduOIONBdd— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 9, 2022
First time in the history of T20Is a team has successfully chased 126 runs in the last 10 overs (11-20). South Africa tonight were 86-3 after 10 and needed 126 more. The previous record was 125 runs by Australia against Pakistan in T20WC 2010 (that Mike Hussey inns!). #IndvRSA
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 9, 2022
🏏🇮🇳 NOT OUR DAY! We will comeback stronger in the next game, lads 🙌🏼
📸 BCCI • #INDvSA #INDvsSA #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/lHkPukifAd
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) June 9, 2022
A thrilling encounter to start off the series as 🇿🇦 lead 1-0
We will come back stronger👊 💙#OneFamily #INDvSA @ICC pic.twitter.com/Hpme7IDucV
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 9, 2022
Share with a Cricket fan!
Read Next Article
↓↓ Scroll down ↓↓
TAGS: David Miller, India, INDvSA, Rassie van der Dussen, South Africa, South Africa tour of India 2022
CATEGORY: Rassie van der Dussen, Twitter Reactions
For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Daily Newsletter.