Cape Town – Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn overtook leg-spinner Imran Tahir as South Africa’s leading T20 wicket-taker in the opening T20 against England in East London on Wednesday.

Steyn, who made his first appearance for South Africa since March 2019, took 1-33 as he sent opener Jos Buttler (15) back to the changeroom.

With the wicket of Buttler, Steyn overtook former team-mate Tahir as the Proteas’ leading T20 wicket-taker of all time, taking his tally to 62 wickets – and counting.

The Proteas clinched a thrilling one-run victory at Buffalo Park thanks largely to fast bowler Lungi Ngidi who successfully defended the seven runs required off the final over.

Steyn already holds the record of leading SA wicket-taker in Test cricket with 439 wickets in 93 Tests.

The 36-year-old has retired from Test cricket, but remains available for the two limited overs formats.

Steyn has stated that he wishes to compete at this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Sri Lanka T20 captain Lasith Malinga is the overall leading wicket-taker with 106 scalps in the shortest format of the game.

The second T20 against England is scheduled to get underway on Friday in Durban (18:00), with the third and final clash set for Centurion on Sunday (14:30).

Most T20 wickets for South Africa:

1. Dale Steyn – 62

2. Imran Tahir – 61

3. Morne Morkel – 46

4. Wayne Parnell – 41

5. Johan Botha – 37

6. Chris Morris – 34

7. Andile Phehlukwayo – 31

8. Kagiso Rabada – 28

T9. Kyle Abbott – 26

T9. Albie Morkel – 26

– Compiled by Lynn Butler