Dharamsala: JP Duminy’s fine half-century undid all the good work done by Rohit Sharma during India’s innings, as his ton went in vain as South Africa won by seven wickets in the T20 opener against India at HPCA Cricket Stadium, here on Friday.

Not a man to mince words, Indian skipper MS Dhoni said conceding over 20 runs an over was always going to put pressure on the team. “We had a good score to defend, but there was dew and we were playing on high altitude. There were periods where we conceded too many runs. That puts a lot of pressure on the bowlers. Conceding above 20 runs in any over puts a lot of pressure,” said Dhoni, adding that even when a team doesn’t get decisions in its favour, it changes the match. 

“I could have gone with Suresh Raina, but seeing the conditions it's was quite difficult over to decide here. Axar does bowl well. But execution is crucial on a wicket like this and an outfield like this. However, we have to encourage the opposition to play false shots and get wickets,” said Dhoni.

South African captain Faf du Plessis said, “It was a great game of cricket. Both sides got 200 and that was fabulous. Rohit Sharma played a great innings at the start. Today was one of those days when the bowlers were under the pump. Great innings from JP (Duminy)! He paced it really well and was well-supported by Behardien.”

Meanwhile, JP Duminy, whowas the man-of-the-match, said it was one of his best innings in T20. “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. We both (me and Behardien) said we have to take it on and 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,” said Duminy.