DHARAMSALA, India (Reuters) – JP Duminy’s batting heroics secured South Africa a thrilling seven-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 International despite Indian opener Rohit Sharma burnishing his limited overs reputation with a blistering century on Friday. Needing 10 runs off the last over chasing a 200-run victory target, Duminy’s seventh six tied the contest before he took a single to seal victory with two balls to spare and put his team 1-0 up in the three-match series. Duminy remained unbeaten on 68 off 34 balls, frustrating India who rode Sharma’s century to post a commanding 199-5 at one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world. As the only batsman with two ODI double centuries to his name, Sharma blasted 106 off 66 balls, highest score by an Indian in a Twenty20 International, as the hosts threatened to go beyond the 200-mark at one stage. After opening partner Shikhar Dhawan perished in his half-hearted pursuit of a non-existent second run, Sharma teamed up with Virat Kohli (43) to lay the foundation for a big total. The duo added 138 runs, an India record, in 12.2 overs and the elegant Sharma belted five sixes and 12 boundaries in his scintillating knock. The Mumbai batsman brought up his century clobbering Marchant de Lange for a six to become the second Indian, after team mate Suresh Raina, to register a century in all three formats of the game. AB de Villiers (51) and Hashim Amla (36) led South Africa’s robust reply with a breezy 77-run opening stand before falling in quick succession. At 95-3, South Africa looked in trouble but Duminy and Farhaan Behardien (32 not out) refused to throw in the towel. Duminy hit spinner Axar Patel for three successive sixes in the 16th over to turn the match on its head and stayed put till the end to see the visitors home in a man-of-the-match winning performance. Cuttack hosts the second Twenty20 International on Monday. (Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Pritha Sarkar) 

Duminy's batting heroics secured South Africa a thrilling victory in the first
T20 International despite Rohit Sharma scoring a blistering century.

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South Africa's Duminy celebrates his team's victory as India's Aravind watches during their first Twenty-20 cricket match in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala

Duminy leads South Africa to victory despite Sharma’s heroics

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AB de Villiers Biography

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, also known as Mr 360, what can be said about him? AB de Villiers has grown to become one of the world's best batsmen. When in form, de Villiers is deadly with a capital D.

The South African possesses the knack of tearing into any bowling attack. AB de Villiers has the capability of giving bowlers nightmares for days on end. At a young age, every selector had their eyes trained on him alone. He was soon rewarded with a berth among the Proteas at the age of 20 in 2004.

In his Test debut at home against England, he almost single-handedly rescued South Africa from the jaws of defeat. In the same series, he smashed his maiden Test century. With that, the legend of AB de Villiers was born.

However, a year later, like most players, a slump in his form plagued him. But he combatted that with an astounding 217 against India. In the process AB de Villiers set a record as the first South African to smash a double ton against India.

Ab de Villiers possesses a mainstream attacking game, he complements that with a back-and-across trigger movement and a late-block in his defensive arsenal. Aside from that, he tends to play in accordance with the situation and conditions as well.

However, he is not invincible, if an elbow surgery in 2016 is any proof. As a result, he made an appearance in only one Test series all year. Following his recovery, AB de Villiers returned to the limited-overs formats, but avoided Test cricket to 'lighten his workload'.

<img class="size-full wp-image-152513 aligncenter" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-04-03-at-12.05.12-AM.png" alt="AB de Villiers" width="465" height="349" />

IPL Career

With regard to the IPL AB de Villiers is a fan favourite in any city. De Villiers has been in the IPL right from its inception in 2008. During that time, he was with the Delhi Daredevils.

But he truly announced himself to the world when he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011. He still delivered handsomely for Delhi, courtesy a 105 against the Chennai Super Kings.

He was let go by Delhi in the wake of a poor 2010 season and RCB pounced immediately. They nabbed him for a whopping 1.1 million dollars and they were going to make Delhi regret their decision to drop him.

Since then, AB de Villiers has proven his money's worth for Bangalore. The big-hitting South African formed a dangerous triumvirate with skipper, Virat Kohli and Jamaican star, Chris Gayle. He ended up as the leading run-getter for RCB for three seasons.

IPL 2019 Expectations

Now, AB de Villiers has stuck around with the Royal Challengers for yet another season. The team are desperate for a maiden IPL triumph inspite of boasting the strongest batting line-up ever. He has achieved a high score of an unbeaten 133* back in 2015 at a strike rate of 175.08.

AB De Villiers

AB de Villiers Biography Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, also known as Mr 360, what can be said about him? AB de Villiers has grown to become one of the world&#8217;s best batsmen. When in form, de Villiers is deadly with a capital D. The South African possesses the knack of tearing into any bowling attack. AB de Villiers has the capability of giving bowlers nightmares for days on end. At a young age, every selector had their eyes trained on him alone. He was soon rewarded with a berth among the Proteas at the age of 20 in 2004. In his Test debut at home against England, he almost single-handedly rescued South Africa from the jaws of defeat. In the same series, he smashed his maiden Test century. With that, the legend of AB de Villiers was born. However, a year later, like most players, a slump in his form plagued him. But he combatted that with an astounding 217 against India. In the process AB de Villiers set a record as the first South African to smash a double ton against India. Ab de Villiers possesses a mainstream attacking game, he complements that with a back-and-across trigger movement and a late-block in his defensive arsenal. Aside from that, he tends to play in accordance with the situation and conditions as well. However, he is not invincible, if an elbow surgery in 2016 is any proof. As a result, he made an appearance in only one Test series all year. Following his recovery, AB de Villiers returned to the limited-overs formats, but avoided Test cricket to &#8216;lighten his workload&#8217;. IPL Career With regard to the IPL AB de Villiers is a fan favourite in any city. De Villiers has been in the IPL right from its inception in 2008. During that time, he was with the Delhi Daredevils. But he truly announced himself to the world when he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011. He still delivered handsomely for Delhi, courtesy a 105 against the Chennai Super Kings. He was let go by Delhi in the wake of a poor 2010 season and RCB pounced immediately. They nabbed him for a whopping 1.1 million dollars and they were going to make Delhi regret their decision to drop him. Since then, AB de Villiers has proven his money&#8217;s worth for Bangalore. The big-hitting South African formed a dangerous triumvirate with skipper, Virat Kohli and Jamaican star, Chris Gayle. He ended up as the leading run-getter for RCB for three seasons. IPL 2019 Expectations Now, AB de Villiers has stuck around with the Royal Challengers for yet another season. The team are desperate for a maiden IPL triumph inspite of boasting the strongest batting line-up ever. He has achieved a high score of an unbeaten 133* back in 2015 at a strike rate of 175.08.

AB De Villiers Archives

AB De Villiers Archives - EssentiallySports

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Rohit Sharma Biography

Rohit Sharma is currently the vice captain of the Indian cricket team. He plays for the Indian team and prior to joining the senior team, he was in India A, India Green,India Under-19s, Mumbai, Mumbai Cricket Association President's XI and the Mumbai Under-19s.

A prolific run-getter, the Hitman, as he is popularly known, is one of the most naturally gifted batsmen in the world.

IPL Career

In terms of IPL experience, he kicked off his career with the Deccan Chargers. From there, he moved to the Mumbai Indians and has remained there ever since. Rohit Sharma gradually worked his way up the ranks. As of now, he is captaining the Mumbai Indians franchise.

The Mumbai Indians have had three IPL triumphs and Sharma has led the side to all three of these triumphs.

Expectations for IPL 2019

Rohit Sharma boasts of a strike rate of 131.01 and a highest score of 109* in 2012. So far, he has amassed 4600 runs in the IPL and is well on his way to 5000.

All eyes will be on him as he leads Mumbai Indians to a potential 4th title. Sharma is said to play the most important role in MI’s road to glory.

In the shorter format, his striking abilities are unparalleled. During his Deccan Chargers stint, Rohit Sharma was one of the most consistent batsmen in the first three IPL seasons. He also played a role in guided the now defunct to to their one and only win in 2009.

From 2011 onwards, he has been instrumental for the Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma took over the team’s captaincy a couple of games into the 2013 season and led MI to their maiden IPL title.

The Mumbai Indians had an up and down season in 2018, but will be looking forward to a storming start in their quest to seal a spot in the playoffs. When they do, Rohit Sharma will be right there to see them through.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma Biography Rohit Sharma is currently the vice captain of the Indian cricket team. He plays for the Indian team and prior to joining the senior team, he was in India A, India Green,India Under-19s, Mumbai, Mumbai Cricket Association President&#8217;s XI and the Mumbai Under-19s. A prolific run-getter, the Hitman, as he is popularly known, is one of the most naturally gifted batsmen in the world. IPL Career In terms of IPL experience, he kicked off his career with the Deccan Chargers. From there, he moved to the Mumbai Indians and has remained there ever since. Rohit Sharma gradually worked his way up the ranks. As of now, he is captaining the Mumbai Indians franchise. The Mumbai Indians have had three IPL triumphs and Sharma has led the side to all three of these triumphs. Expectations for IPL 2019 Rohit Sharma boasts of a strike rate of 131.01 and a highest score of 109* in 2012. So far, he has amassed 4600 runs in the IPL and is well on his way to 5000. All eyes will be on him as he leads Mumbai Indians to a potential 4th title. Sharma is said to play the most important role in MI’s road to glory. In the shorter format, his striking abilities are unparalleled. During his Deccan Chargers stint, Rohit Sharma was one of the most consistent batsmen in the first three IPL seasons. He also played a role in guided the now defunct to to their one and only win in 2009. From 2011 onwards, he has been instrumental for the Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma took over the team’s captaincy a couple of games into the 2013 season and led MI to their maiden IPL title. The Mumbai Indians had an up and down season in 2018, but will be looking forward to a storming start in their quest to seal a spot in the playoffs. When they do, Rohit Sharma will be right there to see them through.

Rohit Sharma Archives

Rohit Sharma Archives - EssentiallySports

Shikhar Dhawan Biography

33-year old Shikhar Dhawan is currently seen as the star player for Delhi Capitals. The Delhi-born man was one of the key players for the national team. Shikhar Dhawan's records include, the fastest ever debut century.

He first made his mark on the Indian team in 2010 with the ODI squad. A year later, he was drafted into the Two team, and finally, the Test team in 2013.

Shikhar Dhawan's ranking is 50th in Tests, 12 in ODIs and 17 in T20 cricket.

IPL Career

He was quite an expensive man during the IPL 2019 auction. In fact, Shikhar Dhawan's auction price in 2018 was Rs 5.2 crore. Kings XI Punjab won the bid, but the Sunrisers used their Right to Match card and reclaimed him.

Shikhar Dhawan's IPL career actually kicked off with the then Delhi Daredevils. Then, in seasons 2 and 3, he became a Mumbai paltan before moving to the Deccan Chargers for IPL 4.

After the Deccan Chargers folded, he was drafted into the newly-formed Sunrisers Hyderabad. As an added bonus, he even captained the side, although it only lasted a year.

He would remain with the Sunrisers right up till 2018, before a return to Delhi in a trade deal.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-151963" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Shikhar-Dhawan-1.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="628" height="355" />

Expectations for IPL 2019

Shikhar Dhawan's batting prowess in well-known and he can be deadly, especially when playing as an opener.

The Delhi team are undoubtedly lucky to acquire his services and he will be a valuable asset to them.

He does have one triumph under his belt, in helping skipper David Warner guide the Sunrisers to glory. The team actually managed to win the IPL crown in 2016, owing to Dhawan's performance with the willow playing a prominent role.

In last year's IPL, they were agonisingly close as they lost to Chennai Super Kings in the final.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan Biography 33-year old Shikhar Dhawan is currently seen as the star player for Delhi Capitals. The Delhi-born man was one of the key players for the national team. Shikhar Dhawan&#8217;s records include, the fastest ever debut century. He first made his mark on the Indian team in 2010 with the ODI squad. A year later, he was drafted into the Two team, and finally, the Test team in 2013. Shikhar Dhawan&#8217;s ranking is 50th in Tests, 12 in ODIs and 17 in T20 cricket. IPL Career He was quite an expensive man during the IPL 2019 auction. In fact, Shikhar Dhawan&#8217;s auction price in 2018 was Rs 5.2 crore. Kings XI Punjab won the bid, but the Sunrisers used their Right to Match card and reclaimed him. Shikhar Dhawan&#8217;s IPL career actually kicked off with the then Delhi Daredevils. Then, in seasons 2 and 3, he became a Mumbai paltan before moving to the Deccan Chargers for IPL 4. After the Deccan Chargers folded, he was drafted into the newly-formed Sunrisers Hyderabad. As an added bonus, he even captained the side, although it only lasted a year. He would remain with the Sunrisers right up till 2018, before a return to Delhi in a trade deal. Expectations for IPL 2019 Shikhar Dhawan&#8217;s batting prowess in well-known and he can be deadly, especially when playing as an opener. The Delhi team are undoubtedly lucky to acquire his services and he will be a valuable asset to them. He does have one triumph under his belt, in helping skipper David Warner guide the Sunrisers to glory. The team actually managed to win the IPL crown in 2016, owing to Dhawan&#8217;s performance with the willow playing a prominent role. In last year&#8217;s IPL, they were agonisingly close as they lost to Chennai Super Kings in the final.