Waynell Parnell excited with winning return for South Africa
The South Africa pacer returned match figures of 2 for 8 in three overs, including a double wicket-maiden in the 19th over of the Sri Lankan innings. "The 19th over is obviously an important one so I was happy to get it right," he said.
Wayne Parnell made a good comeback from a groin injury to play a crucial role in South Africa's 12-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 International on Friday (August 2) in Colombo and said later that he was relieved to be back after a period of frustration.
Scorecard | Match report
"It's great to be back in the Proteas' set-up," said Parnell. "It's been frustrating being out injured for almost eight months so it was good to come back with a win."
Parnell returned match figures of 2 for 8 in three overs, including a double wicket-maiden in the 19th over of the Sri Lankan innings. "The 19th over is obviously an important one so I was happy to get it right," he said.
"Death bowling is such a fickle art, some days you get it right and some days it doesn't go so well, I'm just happy that I could make a contribution towards the victory.
"I've been working a lot behind the scenes on a few technical aspects, which will hopefully come right on the field."
The second and third T20Is between the two teams will be played in Hambantota on Sunday and Tuesday. In both their matches at the venue so far, in the World T20 last year, South Africa registered wins, beating Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. "It's quite a big field," noted Parnell. "The wicket looks quite good as well, so hopefully we can get some assistance from it in the matches."