Duminy is over the moon after leading South Africa to victory
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Despite making the highest score by an Indian batsman in a Twenty20 International, Rohit Sharma’s efforts went in vain thanks to South Africa all-rounder Jean Paul (JP) Duminy’s magnificent knock of 68 not out.
Duminy was well supported by wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers, who smashed a quickfire 51, as the Proteas managed to sneak past India by seven wickets with just two balls to spare in the first Twenty20 International in Dharamsala.
South Africa started off well after opting to bowl first as they dismissed India opener Shikhar Dhawan for just three runs.
However, Rohit and Virat Kohli took over from that point as they amassed a 138-run partnership, during which Sharma brought up his maiden Twenty20 International century, before Kohli was caught by Duminy off the bowling of Kyle Abbott for 43.
Abbott struck again just three balls later as Rohit was caught by Chris Morris at long leg for a career-best score of 106, which came off 66 balls and included 12 boundaries and five sixes.
Rohit celebrates after scoring his maiden Twenty20 International century
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Following Rohit’s dismissal, India began to collapse as they lost Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu in consecutive balls en route to registering a score of 199/5 off their 20 overs.
Abbott was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Morris chipped in with one.
Chasing 200 to win, South Africa got off to a blistering start as de Villiers and Amla put together a 77-run partnership before Amla was run out by Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 36.
De Villiers ended up scoring 51 off 32 deliveries, which included seven boundaries and a six, before he was clean bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin.
De Villiers hammered seven boundaries and a six during his innings of 51
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis was unable to have much of an impact as he was cleaned up by debutant Sreenath Aravind for just four runs.
But, just as the momentum seemed to be shifting in India’s favour, Duminy and Farhaan Behardien launched a major counter-attack. The duo recorded an unbeaten 105-run partnership, during which Duminy surpassed his half-century.
However, the game was always going to be close and it did come down to the last over, in which the Proteas required 10 runs to win.
After scoring three runs off the first two balls, Duminy became South Africa’s hero as he walloped a huge six off the third ball before nudging the fourth ball into the leg side to lead his side to a spectacular victory.
Duminy ended up finishing on 68 off 34 balls, which included one boundary and seven sixes, while Behardien remained undefeated on 32 off 23 deliveries, which included four boundaries and a six.
Aravind and Ashwin claimed one wicket each.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was gutted to have lost, and said: “We had something close to par, but there was dew [because of the] high altitude. There were periods where we conceded too many runs. That puts a lot of pressure on the bowlers. Any over above 20, it puts a lot of pressure. Even when we don’t get decisions in our favour, it changes the match. I could have gone with Raina, but seeing the conditions it’s quite difficult over here. Axar does bowl well, whether against right or left handers. Execution is crucial on a wicket like this and a outfield like this. We have to encourage the opposition to play false shots and get wickets.”
Du Plessis was thrilled to have taken a 1-0 lead in the series, and said: “I think it did get a little wet towards the end. But what a great game of cricket, both sides got 200. Great innings from Rohit there at the start. Today was one of those days when the bowlers were under the pump. Great innings from JP, paced it really well and well-supported by Behardien.”
Duminy was named Man of the Match, and said: “Definitely one of my best innings. The way we started the innings was what we wanted in the chase. We batted quite well in the middle and built a good partnership with fudge (Behardien). We both said we have to take it on, we don’t want to die wondering towards the end. We knew if we could get it down to 10-11 off the last over, we had a good chance. Fortunately enough, the left-armer missed his lengths and gave me an opportunity. It’s a long tour for us but we have started well and we are happy with this performance.”