India had a bat first in Delhi and scored 211/3 in their allotted 20 overs with Ishan Kishan scoring 76.

The Proteas chased down the target in 19.1 overs thanks to 75 not out by Rassie van der Dussen and an unbeaten 64 by David Miller. Both batters smashed five sixes in their innings as the turned the pressure on the Indian bowlers.

Van der Dussen conceded that he struggled to get going and put pressure on both himself and the team. The batter went on to credit the in-form Miller for his contribution to guide the team over the line.

“I struggled to get the pace of the wicket and few shots of mine early on hit fielders early on, so I was under a bit of pressure.

“But, David, with the form he has been in the IPL, he just brought that in and put the bowlers under the pressure from the start.

“He played a brilliant innings to just pull be through that phase there to get me through.

“As soon as he started hitting sixes the momentum started shifting towards us and we knew if take to the end we would get close or win in. So, it worked out well for us.”

The 2nd T20 International will be played on Sunday in Cuttack.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport