Mahendra Singh Dhoni Slams Umpiring After JP Duminy Scripts Big Win for South Africa

Normally unflappable after a defeat, Mahendra Singh Dhoni said umpiring decisions went against his team after JP Duminy smashed a 34-ball 68 to consign India to a seven-wicket defeat in the first twenty20 international in Dharamsala on Friday night.

In a post-match chat, Dhoni, who returned to international cricket after a three-month gap, was visibly annoyed after South Africa won a match despite the Indians scoring 199 runs, courtesy Rohit Sharma's brilliant 106.

The match was officiated by Indian umpires Vineet Kulkarni and Chettihody Shamshuddin. Dhoni felt Duminy, who swung the match in South Africa's favour with his big-hitting, enjoyed some favours from the umpires.

"When some decisions don't go in your favour, it puts pressure on the team," Dhoni said probably hinting at a close LBW shout in the 17th over against Duminy off Bhuvneshwar Kumar's bowling. Match referee Chris Broad may not take too kindly to Dhoni's criticism. (Match in Pics)

Dhoni admitted his bowlers leaked runs and the small Dharamsala ground and the high altitude gave South Africa some advantage while chasing.

"We had something close to par, but there was dew, high altitude. There were periods where we conceded too many runs. That puts a lot of pressure on the bowlers. Anything over above 20, it puts a lot of pressure," said the Indian captain.

Undoubtedly, it was Duminy who stole India's thunder in the 16th over when he smashed three sixes off an Axar Patel over to shift the momentum South Africa's way.

"It was one of my best knocks. We knew it was a tough total to chase. The middle overs were crucial," said Duminy, who won the Man of the Match award. His 105-run partnership with Farhan Behardien (32) overshadowed a fantastic century by Rohit Sharma.

The win at Dharamsala was South Africa's third in nine Twenty20 internationals against India, who have won six.