Proteas batsman, David Miller, made history today (Sunday, 29 October) when he smashed the world record for the fastest T20 International century with a brutal 35 ball ton against Bangladesh at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

Miller’s historic day helped South Africa to stroll to an impressive 83 run victory to clinch the International T20 series 2-0. The left-hander laid the platform with 103* (36) to knock the stuffing out of Bangladesh and treat the crowd to a buffet of scrumptious strokes that included 9 sixes and 7 fours.

Miller was hitting sixes and fours across Senwes Park for fun and made a mockery of the Bangladesh bowling attack. His 31 runs off the over from Mohammed Saifuddin was the cherry on the cake as he bludgeoned 5 sixes in a row in a blaze of glory. Saifuddin’s 31 run over also is the most conceded by a Bangladesh bowler in the format

His innings was a masterclass of powerful hitting and audacious shot making as he hooked, pulled, cut and drove the ball to all parts in SA’s total of 224/4. Miller also hit an amazing 59 in the final four overs of the innings.

The previous T20 international record was held by former Proteas team-mate Richard Levi, who hit a 45 ball century against New Zealand in 2012. Miller is now also tied third on the all-time fastest T20 century’s list behind Andrew Symonds and Chris Gayle.

“I’m really stoked to get the record and it is something you dream of. It is not a knock that happens often and that made it really enjoyable,” said a delighted Miller post-match.

“I had some great support from Hash (Hashim Amla) and then Fudgie (Farhaan Behardien) who supported me at the back end too,” emphasised Miller on the collective support that helped him to his personal achievement.

Miller also mentioned that the type of shots he played was truly enjoyable especially as practice came to fruition on the day.

“I do practice most of the shots and when it comes off it is nice to just go with the flow. The crowd also added to the adrenalin and constant heart beat you get on the field. It is really nice to have a packed house like this on a Sunday afternoon.”

Earlier Hashim Amla was in imperious form as the senior Protea hit some majestic strokes in a fine knock of 85 (51) that laid the foundation for Miller’s towering innings. Bangladesh though made a god start with the ball as Shakib Al Hasan did the early damage as his accurate spell of 2/22 in the  opening overs gave Bangladesh hope.

The target of 225 was one too many for Bangladesh who as a nation has never crossed the 200 run mark in internationals. There was moments of intent from Soumya Sarkar with 44 off 27 balls but the cookie finally crumbled as it had been the case the entire tour with SA’s bowlers just having too much guile and experience. Some poor shot selection from the Bangladeshi batsmen, especially Shakib Al Hasan’s slog across the line to a Duminy delivery, epitomised their innings.

SA’s bowlers kept it tight and took regular wickets with Duminy (2/23) and Aaron Phangiso (2/31) claiming the best figures of the attack as Bangladesh posted 141 all out.

History was made with a World Record in Potch as well a clean sweep across all formats for the Proteas against Bangladesh this summer.

The start of Proteas dominance and ruthless aggression could well have been started in Potchefstroom and that in hindsight is something truly special for the city of sporting excellence.

*Read more in this week’s Potchefstroom Herald and keep a look out for videos and photos from the match.