South Africa won the first of three T20 internationals against the touring Sri Lankans in a thrilling match that saw tied scores and a super over on Tuesday.
Francois du Plessis elected to chase after winning the toss in consideration of the short boundaries at Newlands. The visitors opened the innings in a manner that was consistent with their recent track record in the one day series. By the end of the second over, the Lankans were reeling at 7/2.
The Proteas bowled tight lengths and took regular wickets to keep the total down to 134. The only batsman to prosper in the first innings was 20-year-old Kamindu Mendis. He battled aggressively to score 42 off 29 deliveries before Imran Tahir foxed him into stepping out and David Miller whipped off the bails.
In the chase, Rassie van der Dussen patiently rotated the strike as South Africa slowly closed in on the target. He was supported well by Miller who scored 41 runs off just 23 deliveries. By the 17th over, the hosts needed just 17 runs to win. With seven wickets to spare and Miller and van der Dussen settled in at the crease, Sri Lanka were headed to another humiliating defeat.
However, Lankan skipper Lasith Malinga bowled brilliantly to turn the game around. In the overs that followed, South Africa lost five wickets and barely managed to tie the scores. In the ensuing super over, Miller smashed Malinga for 15 runs. In response Thisara Perera and Avishka Fernando were only able to score five in total at Tahir’s expense.
With the Proteas taking a 1-0 lead, Malinga will be keen on leveling the series at Centurion on Friday.
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