Gritty India pummel South Africa

India spurred innings of 53 off 34 balls by Rohit Sharma, made 168 for six before SA could only manage 147 for nine.

DURBAN: India beat South Africa by 21 runs in the only Twenty20 international at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Late replacement Morne van Wyk hit the fastest half-century by a South African in a 20-overs international but when he was out for 67 his teammates subsided on a low, slow pitch.

India, spurred by an innings of 53 off 34 balls by Rohit Sharma, made 168 for six before South Africa could only manage 147 for nine.

Van Wyk boosts South Africa

Van Wyk went to his half-century off 24 balls but was caught at deep square leg for 67, made off 39 deliveries.

Van Wyk and AB de Villiers (14) put on 57 off 29 balls for the third wicket but it was always going to be an uphill struggle after De Villiers was run out by Suresh Raina. “When Morne and AB were going we were ahead of the rate,” said South African captain Johan Botha. “But for guys coming in it was difficult to keep up.”

Dhoni admits advantage

Indian captain MS Dhoni admitted that conditions had suited India better. “After winning the toss the aim was to put runs on the board,” said Dhoni. “Rohit batted really well. On this wicket it was a very good total to defend.”

Makhaya Ntini, in his farewell international match, conceded 46 runs off four overs without taking a wicket but had the consolation of holding a good catch to end Sharma’s innings as. Sharma hit five fours and two sixes while Suresh Raina hit 41 off 23 deliveries before being caught off the last ball of the innings.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2011.