A fun 11-over slog-a-thon sees the West Indies top Proteas

25 March 2023 - 18:31 By Stuart Hess at SuperSport Park
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David Miller top scored or the Proteas with 48 off 22 balls in the first T20 International against the West Indies in Centurion on Saturday
David Miller top scored or the Proteas with 48 off 22 balls in the first T20 International against the West Indies in Centurion on Saturday
Image: Gallo Images

Never mind this being barely half a game, it was still one rich in entertainment with the West Indies flexing their muscles and claiming a three-wicket victory under a leaden sky here on Saturday evening. 

It’s hard to determine what was gained from this exercise other than providing the patient fans with some bang for their buck. Rain delayed the start by two hours, with the officials then choosing to reduce the innings to 11-overs-a-side. That removed any need for patience and subtlety for both teams.

The West Indies bowlers adopted a simple plan with the ball, hammering it into the pitch and forcing the Proteas to hit to the boundary riders on the leg-side. That caused frustration and led to wickets at regular intervals and at one point the embarrassment of being bowled out in an 11-over innings was a possibility for the hosts. 

It took David Miller to show a version of patience that was suitable for this abbreviated form of the shortest format and having evaluated the conditions and the touring team’s plan helped himself to four fours and three sixes in his innings, finishing on 48 off only 22 balls. 

Having seen partners come and go, in Sisanda Magala, Miller found someone able to provide the necessary assistance, with the all-rounder, recently signed by IPL franchise the Chennai Super Kings for R1.1m, hitting two sixes and a four in a five-ball knock that saw him score 18 not out.

The West Indies set about the chase in typically adventurous fashion, smashing 46 runs off the first three overs with Brandon King and Johnson Charles blasting five sixes between them. 

The only let-down came against Anrich Nortjé’s extra pace which proved too hot to handle, with nine of his 18 balls going scoreless. 

As a result, the match got a bit closer than the West Indies’ start suggested it would and the dismissal of skipper Rovman Powell for a muscular 43, that included five fours, led to a nervy conclusion. 

Roston Chase ensured all was in order for the tourists smacking a six and single to ensure victory.

The second T20 International will be played at the same venue on Sunday.

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