Batsman Rassie van der Dussen has welcomed a ‘pretty close to perfect’ start to international cricket, after playing a key role in South Africa’s 34-run victory over Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s first T20I. 

Van der Dussen top-scored with 56, striking five fours and a six during an entertaining 44-delivery stay.

He was well supported by captain Faf du Plessis and David Miller in a final total of 160-6, after which leg-spinner Imran Tahir’s telling five-wicket haul limited the opposition to 126 all out.

‘To get 50 on debut and to top it off with the team winning, which is the most important thing, it is a dream come true and I couldn’t be happier,’ enthused Van der Dussen.

The hard-hitting right-hander effectively capitalised on recent experience for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Vancouver Knights in the Caribbean Premier League and Global T20 Canada, respectively.

‘It has definitely helped my game. You come up against some of the best in the world in these international tournaments. Doing well there gave me the confidence to know that I can perform at that level,’ he added.

‘This is international cricket. It is a new stage with extra pressure, but also with a lot of privilege. It gave me confidence to come out and play my game.

‘As a player, you always have to try to learn and adapt. You want to get better every day. I came up against Zimbabwe’s bowlers for the first time, so going into the next few games I will reassess and see where I went wrong and where I can do better. Hopefully I can emulate what I did here in the last two games.’

The second T20I will be played in Potchefstroom on Friday. Benoni will host the third and final match of the series on Sunday.