SA pull off thrilling win in Super Over

Cape Town, March 19 

South Africa won the first T20I against Sri Lanka after a thriller saw a Super Over finish at Newlands after the two sides were tied on 134 following their allotted 20 overs.

Chasing a total of 135 runs, South Africa lost their first three wickets for 52 runs. Rassie van der Dussen (34) and David Miller put on 66 for the fourth wicket before Van der Dussen fell to Lasith Malinga with victory in sight. Miller was run-out for 41 in the same over. Andile Phehlukwayo was next out for 4, followed by Kagiso Rabada for a duck as the Proteas began to wobble. Needing five runs to win in the final over, South Africa could only managed four runs after a brilliant over by Isul Udana. With the scores tied, a Super Over decided the game. The Proteas batted first  and managed 14 runs off Malinga's over with Miller smashing a four and a six to leave Sri Lanka with 15 needed to win. Imran Tahir was the chosen bowler for the Sri Lankan Super Over chase with the visitors opting for Thisara Perera and Avishka Fernando. Tahir conceded five runs as the Proteas won the Super Over.

Earlier, the Sri Lankan innings was propped up by Kamindu Mendis who top-scored with 41 while Thisara Perera contributed 19. — Agencies

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka: 134/7 in 20 overs (Kamindu Mendis 41, T Perera 19; A Phehlukwayo 3/25); South Africa: 134/8 in 20 overs (D Miller 41, HE van der Dussen 34; L Malinga 2/11).