More blunders in South Africa, Game ends in a Super-Over

South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir conceded only five runs in a decisive super over to beat Sri Lanka in the opening Twenty20 International last night after both teams finished their innings with the same score.

After sending the tourists in to bat, the home side restricted Sri Lanka to 134 for seven in 20 overs, but then blew a commanding position to end with same total, leaving the Newlands encounter to be decided by a one-over eliminator. David Miller helped South Africa blast 14 runs from their super over, before Tahir restricted Sri Lanka to only five in reply, two of which were wides.

South Africa looked odds-on for victory when they reached 118 for three in their innings, needing 17 runs from 22 balls, but a flurry of late wickets left them needing two off the last delivery with Tahir on strike.

He missed the ball from seamer Isuru Udana, but partner Dale Steyn scrambled through for a single as wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella botched a simple run out to win the game for Sri Lanka.

Miller had earlier struck a quickfire 41 off 23 balls and put on 66 for the fourth wicket with Rassie van der Dussen who scored 34.

But Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga took the game into the final over with a superb spell of bowling, ending with figures of 2-11 in four overs. Kamindu Mendis top-scored for the visitors, blazing 41 off 29 balls.

The second match in the series will be played in Pretoria on Friday, before concluding on Sunday in Johannesburg.