KANPUR, OCT 11: Rohit Sharma’s brilliant 150-run knock ended in a losing cause as South Africa pulled off a thrilling five-run victory in the first cricket One Day International against India at Green Park Stadium here today.
Chasing a record 304, the Indians fell short of the target in the last over, giving the PProteas a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
With India requiring 22 off the last two overs, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni failed to finish the job after Rohit (150 runs off 133 balls, 13 fours and six sixes) got out in the 47th over. India crumbled under pressure to end at 298 for seven.
India seemed set to chase down the total until they lost the plot in the final few overs with Dhoni (31), Suresh Raina (3) and Stuart Binny (2) falling well short of expectations.
India began the chase smoothly, scoring at run a ball to be 90 for one in 15 overs. The start would have been even better had Shikhar Dhawan (23) been not adjudged lbw to a questionable decision with the ball appearing to go down the leg side.
Ajnkya Rahane (60), who was a surprise inclusion in the team, forged a carefully crafted partnership with Rohit.
India seemed to be riding a steady ship with both of them at the crease, negotiating the pace heavy South African attack bolstered with the return of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
