Agence France-Presse
Durban, March 5: David Miller (53 n o, 3×4, 3×6) hit an unbeaten half century as South Africa beat Australia by three wickets in the first Twenty20 international at the Kingsmead here Friday evening.
Miller’s effort enabled South Africa to overhaul Australia’s total of 157 for nine with four balls to spare. The hosts were in trouble at 95 for six but the left-handed Miller, playing on his home ground, steered them to victory with sensible batting interspersed with some powerful hits.
The key over was the 16th, which started with South Africa needing 45 runs off 30 balls. Miller hit two big sixes as Andrew Tye conceded 16 runs. He hit an even bigger six off John Hastings in the 18th over, with the ball sailing out of the ground over square-leg, as the target shrunk rapidly.
Australia made a fast start after winning the toss, racing to 69 for one in the six-over power play, with Aaron Finch (40, 18b, 2×4, 4×6) pounding the opposition bowlers. Three of his sixes came off consecutive deliveries from JP Duminy.
But the tourists lost their way against the medium pace of David Wiese (2/16) and the leg-spin of Imran Tahir (3/21), slumping to 114 for seven.
Mitchell Marsh (35, 25b, 1×4, 2×6) took the visitors past the 150-run mark with a late
flourish.
South Africa made a bad start, losing AB de Villiers to the first ball. They slipped to 41 for three before captain Faf du Plessis (40, 26b, 4×4, 1×6) and Rilee Rossouw (19) put on 31 for the fourth wicket to give stability to the innings.
They were out off successive deliveries before man of the match Miller took charge.