Rohit ton in vain against Proteas

JP Duminy’s unbeaten 68 from just 34 balls steered South Africa to a stirring seven-wicket win over India in the first Twenty20 international in Dharamsala on Friday to take the lead in the three-match series.

The tourists chased down India's challenging 5-199 with two balls to spare following an opening stand of 77 off 53 deliveries between AB de Villiers (51) and Hashim Amla (36).

Duminy then took control, sharing a match-winning fourth-wicket stand of 105 with Farhaan Behardien (32 not out).

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The hosts’ strong total had been built around a stunning innings from Rohit Sharma, who became just the second Indian after Suresh Raina to score a T20 international hundred.

Rohit’s 106 off 66 balls included 12 fours and five sixes, and the opening batsman found support in Virat Kohli, who smashed 43 off 27 to put India in the box seat at the mid-point of the match.

Kyle Abbott was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas, taking 2-29 off four overs.

The second match will be played in Cuttack on Monday and the third in Kolkata next Thursday.

South Africa will also play five one-day internationals and four Tests during the 10-week tour of India.

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