South Africa have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, beating India by seven wickets. Rassie van der Dussen (75*) and David Miller (64*) were the heroes of the match, maintaining their composure to chase down a massive 212-run target with five balls remaining in a thrilling, high-scoring encounter.
South Africa beat India by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. David Miller and Rassive van der Dussen showed great composure and helped the Proteas to reach a mammoth target of 212-runs with five balls in the pocket. Dussen and Miller played blistering unbeaten knocks of 75 and 64 respectively to pull off a comfortable victory in a high-scoring thriller.
India started strong after winning the toss, with Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad racking up 57 runs in the powerplay. Although Wayne Parnell broke the opening stand in the seventh over by dismissing Gaikwad for 23, Ishan Kishan remained aggressive. He and Shreyas Iyer put on 80 runs for the second wicket before Kishan was finally dismissed for 76 by Keshav Maharaj.
Shreyas Iyer eventually fell for 36, and captain Rishabh Pant added a brief 29 runs. Hardik Pandya provided the final flourish, smashing an unbeaten 31 off 12 balls with three sixes and two fours. India finished with a formidable 211/4, marking their highest-ever T20I total against the South African side.
South Africa's response began poorly after captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed cheaply for 10. Dwaine Pretorius attempted to shift the momentum at number three, helping the team reach 61 runs in the first five overs, but India fought back quickly by taking the wickets of both Pretorius (29) and Quinton de Kock (22) in short order.
The match turned when Miller and van der Dussen stepped up to stabilize the innings. The duo put on an unbeaten 131-run partnership for the fourth wicket, completely dominating the Indian bowling attack to secure the victory.