David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen stole the show in the first T20I of the five-match series between the Indian cricket team and the South African cricket team. The two South African stars had a partnership of 130 runs for the fourth wicket which helped the Proteas register a seven-wicket win in the opening game.
Just before the match began, the South African cricket team received a major blow as their all-rounder Aiden Markram tested positive for COVID-19. The team’s other players returned negative and the match progressed. Temba Bavuma won the toss and decided to have a bowl first.
The Indian cricket team got off to a flier as the duo of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad had a partnership of 57 runs off just 38 deliveries. After Gaikwad’s departure, Shreyas Iyer joined Kishan in the middle, and the two players had an excellent partnership of 80 runs for the second wicket.
Captain Rishabh Pant and all-rounder Hardik Pandya chipped in with crucial cameos as well, as India finished with 211 runs in 20 overs. India had never lost while defending 200 runs or more in a T20I, so the Men in Blue started as the favorites to win.
However, a spectacular batting performance from Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller ensured that the Proteas chased the 212-run target in 19.1 overs. Miller won the Man of the Match award for his 31-ball 64, while van der Dussen aggregated 75 runs off 46 deliveries. Here’s what van der Dussen said after the match:
“I feel if I can face 40-50 balls, I know I can take the team home. (On batting in the powerplay) Dwaine had clear instructions. He gave us that flying start. Brilliant innings from him. We knew if we batted well, we could chase this. The key was not to panic and having that trust in whoever was out there.”
Fans on Twitter react to David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen’s epic partnership
Here are some of the top Twitter reactions to the match-winning partnership:
EA cricket mode activated unreal hitting
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 9, 2022
Advertisement
India will not feel safe defending a target of 200 or more against the Proteas in the T20s anytime soon after David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen sensationally guided their side to a seven-wicket victory in the first of five T20s on Thursday evening.https://t.co/JONjpgm3cW
— Sport24 (@Sport24news) June 9, 2022
Advertisement
What a run chase by South Africa.
They were 92 for 3 from 11 overs while chasing 212 and finished the game with 5 balls left – Thanks to Miller and RVD.
Advertisement— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 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
Advertisement— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 9, 2022
What a show by David Miller 64* (31) and Rassie Van Der Dussen 75* (46). South Africa needed 87 in the last 7 overs, they did it with 5 balls to spare.
AdvertisementThey've broken India's 12 match winning streak in T20is. pic.twitter.com/VJhcCHD9aw
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 9, 2022
David Miller 💜
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 9, 2022
Well played, @DavidMillerSA12! #NGL, this one hurt a little… 😊👍#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/nJsYRADOyn
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) June 9, 2022
Rassie van der Dussen → 75* runs from 46 balls
David Miller → 64* runs from 31 ballsHow good were these two?! 🤩#INDvSA | https://t.co/EAEI2MRCT2 pic.twitter.com/BJiMOITS0o
— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2022
Advertisement
🚨 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
Advertisement— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) 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
Advertisement— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 9, 2022
Looks like this is the only way one can stop @DavidMillerSA12! What an amazing form he is in! pic.twitter.com/aDX0U3a0Vs
Advertisement— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 9, 2022
