David Miller contributed 48 runs but it was not enough for South Africa to beat West Indies. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi
The West Indies combined well to chase down their target on Saturday, racing to victory in the first T20 International against South Africa in Centurion.
In a match that was reduced to 11 overs a side, after rain delayed the start by two hours, the tourists needed 132 runs to win.
They managed to put together some solid partnerships to build a foundation, and captain Rovman Powell carried them home by smashing 43 runs off just 18 balls, as they reached a total of 132/7 with three balls to spare.
Sisanda Magala was the best of the Proteas bowlers, returning 3/21 from his two overs.Earlier, the Proteas got an early fright after being sent in to bat when opening batter Quinton de Kock was removed with the first ball of the home side’s innings.
Their top order managed to recover, however, with some solid contributions before David Miller carried them through with a quickfire effort.
Miller found form by hammering 48 runs off 22 deliveries (including three sixes) at a strike rate of 218.8 as he led the hosts to a total of 131/8, though it would not be enough in the end.
Sheldon Cottrell (2/31) and Odean Smith (2/27) led the West Indies bowling attack by taking two wickets each.
The second of three T20 Internationals will also be played in Centurion, starting at 2pm on Sunday.