South African pair David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen have hit half-centuries to lead the Proteas to a seven-wicket win over India
Match Report:
ScorecardMiller, van der Dussen fireworks sets SA record
David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen have smashed blistering half-centuries to lead South Africa to a thrilling seven-wicket win over India in the first T20 International in Delhi.
Chasing 212 for victory, South Africa's top order wobbled but Miller and Van der Dussen plundered 131 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, including five sixes while Miller's unbeaten 64 off 31 balls also contained five sixes.
The pair joined forces at 3-81, with the Proteas needing 131 from 68 balls from that point in the innings.
It was South Africa biggest successful chase in T20 cricket, which also ended India's 12-match winning streak in this format.
Image Id: 296ECAD8464942289688A40D5D557268 Image Caption: David Miller's 64 not out won the game and Player of the Match award // Getty
Earlier, Ishan Kishan smashed 76 off 48 balls to set the tone for India, who posted a strong 4-211 after being put into bat.
Kishan forged half-century partnerships with Ruturaj Gaikwad (23) and Shreyas Iyer (36) as the hosts cruised to 1-102 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.
Image Id: 126E6B0C0CA54A34BFEAF3A48DEBEDF5 Image Caption: Rishabh Pant scored 29 on his international captaincy debut // Getty
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.