Miller, Ngidi power Proteas to victory in 10-over clash against Lanka

South Africa on Saturday defeated Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the rain-hit first T20 of the three-match series here at the Super Sport Park.

Chasing a target of 127 in a match that was reduced to 10 overs each due to rain delay, the Angelo Mathews-led side fought valiantly but could manage 107 runs for the loss of six wickets.

Niroshan Dickwella was Sri Lanka's top scorer with 43 while Dhananjaya de Silva (27), Seekkuge Prasanna (12) and Asela Gunaratne (10) were the other batsmen who could score in double figures.

For Proteas, Lungisani Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up two wickets for 12 runs in his allotted quota of two overs.

Earlier, being asked to bat first, the South Africa rode on the innings of Miller (40 off 18 balls, three fours, three sixes) and skipper Farhaan Behardien (31 off 18 balls, three fours, 1 six) to post a mammoth total of 126-5.

Ngidi was adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant bowling which eventually turned the game on its head.

The two sides will next face each other on Sunday in the second T20I at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.