Dale Steyn surpasses Imran Tahir to become the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in T20s

South Africa veteran fast bowler, Dale Steyn became the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in T20s on Thursday. He achieved the feat after picking Jos Buttler’s wicket in the first T20 at Buffalo Park in East London.

Previously, Imran Tahir held the record for being South Africa’s most successful bowler in T20 internationals, having picked 61 wickets in 35 T20 matches. Dale Steyn has now 62 wickets to his name in 45 matches. Former fast bowler, Morne Morkel is at third position with a tally 46 wickets.

Lasith Malinga holds the record for the most number of wickets in T20 cricket with 106 wickets to his name, followed by Shahid Afridi (98) and Shakib Al Hasan (92).

HIGHEST WICKET TAKERS IN T20S: 

L Malinga (SL) 2006-2019 – 106 wickets

Shahid Afridi (ICC/PAK) 2006-2018 – 98 Wickets

Shakib Al Hasan (BDESH) 2006-2019 – 92 Wickets

Umar Gul (PAK) 2007-2016 – 85 Wickets

Saeed Ajmal (PAK) 2009-2015 – 85 Wickets

SOUTH AFRICA BEAT ENGLAND IN THE FIRST T20 BY 1 RUN 

The first of the 3 match T20 series between South Africa and England saw a thrilling contest as the former held their nerve to win the game by just 1 run.

Lungi Ngidi produced a stellar last over, giving away just 5 runs and thereby helping his side snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. 

Skipper Quinton de Knock and Temba Bavuma laid the foundation for a high scoring total on the board, having scored 48 runs in just 4 overs before skipper got caught at 31.

Bavuma then joined hands with Rassie Van der Dussen to consolidate innings further as the duo stitched 59 runs together for the second wicket. Bavuma top-scored for Proteas as they finished on 177 in their 20 overs. 

In reply, England were off to a solid start, amassing 90 runs inside 9 overs in the chase. England looked in total control right from the start of the innings until Ngidi produced sensational last six balls of the match. 

Jason Roy hit his fifth half-century in the T20 format. He smacked 70 runs in just 38 balls which were laced with 7 fours and 3 sixes, while skipper Eoin Morgan too struck a half-century and almost won the game for his team had he not played a reckless shot on the last ball of the penultimate over.

Brief scores: South Africa 177/8 in 20 overs (Temba Bavuma 43; Chris Jordan 2-28) beat England 176/9 in 20 overs (Eoin Morgan 52; Lungi Ngidi 3/30) by 1 run