Right-arm quick Lutho Sipamla was the most economical South Africa bowler on show on his international debut, and stand-in captain David Miller hailed his performance as ‘absolutely incredible’.
Miller was however quick to admit his side could have bowled better in the second T20I against Pakistan, but says he’s thrilled with how his bowlers came back after Pakistan’s explosive start, sealing their win in the final over of the match.
“We didn’t start too well, but credit to our bowlers for really bringing it back,” he said. “Shamsi came on and did incredibly well to bring their run rate down and then Sipamla in his first game was absolutely incredible. I was really pleased with the two of them.
It was a game Pakistan will feel they could have won, with the start afforded to them by Babar Azam (90 from 58 balls) and Hussain Talat (55 from 41 balls) ultimately squandered in the dying overs of the game. Miller, who picked up his second Player of the Match award in as many games, with his 65 from 29 balls providing some much-needed late impetus into the host’s innings, joked about his long-term credentials as captain after letting Pakistan get off to such a flyer in their response to South Africa’s 188/3.
“I thought I was the worst captain on the planet, to be honest, but they were always going to go hard in the Powerplay.”
