AB de Villiers has praised David Miller and JP Duminy’s match-winning partnership which secured a 62-run victory against Zimbabwe in Hamilton on Sunday.

Miller (138 no) and Duminy (115 no) shared a world record 5th-wicket partnership of 256 runs which propelled South Africa to 339-5, after they were in big trouble on 83-4.

Zimbabwe batted well for the biggest part of their innings, but fell apart at the end to finish on 277.

‘David and JP’s partnership won us the game,’ said De Villiers.

‘It was a very difficult wicket to bat on in the first 10-15 overs and the toss played a big part in that. I think every team who wins the toss here will bat first. The pitch was slow and sticky and it was difficult to hit through the line.

‘I lost my wicket at a crucial time, but I’m very happy with the performance. I won’t be surprised if Zimbabwe upset a few teams in the group stage.’

The Proteas started poorly with both bat and ball, and De Villiers acknowledged that it is something they need to work on.

‘We need better starts. We started slowly with the ball, but the wicket made it difficult.’

De Villiers praised Imran Tahir, who took 3-36 and was South Africa’s best bowler on the day.

‘I felt the pressure right throughout Zimbabwe’s innings. They really played well.’

The Proteas are off to Melbourne for some off-time where their families will join them, before they have their first practice session on Wednesday. They play India next Sunday in Adelaide.

‘I just want to stay away from watching other games and reading news, because it tires me quite easily.’