Faf Du Plessis gushes over 'massive weapon' Imran Tahir post T20I heroics

Johannesburg: South Africa T20 skipper Faf du Plessis heaped praise on Imran Tahir, saying that the leg-spinner is one of the reason why the national side is so successful in the shortest format of the game.

Tahir scalped his career-best figures of five for 24 as South Africa claimed a thumping 78-run win over New Zealand in a one-off Twenty20 match at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.

"He is the big reason we're been successful over the last few months," Sport24 quoted du Plessis as saying.

Although Du Plessis praised his entire bowling attack for bundling out the Black Caps for 107 in under 15 overs, he placed special emphasis on 'Man of the Match' Tahir.

Describing Tahir as a 'consistent' player, Du Plessis said that he was glad to have massive weapon like the 37-year-old in the team.

"He's just so consistent and as a captain that's a massive weapon. Even if teams get off to a really good start, the chances of him coming on and doing well is very high," Du Plessis said.

"He's not bowling a lot of bad balls anymore and he puts a lot of pressure on the opposition with his variety of skill," he added.

Tahir also became the second quickest bowler to grab 50 wickets (in 31 games), after Sri Lanka's Ajantha Mendis who reached the milestone in 26 T20Is.

The two sides will now head into five-match ODI series beginning Sunday at Seddon Park, Hamilton.