Rohit Sharma's Classy Ton Not Enough to Take India Over the Line

Rohit Sharma continued his great form against South Africa to notch a 98-ball century in the first ODI in Kanpur on Sunday. Despite his brilliant ton, India fell short of their 304-run target chase. (India vs South Africa: Blog)

Rohit's innings contained 13 fours and four sixes as he timed his innings to perfection. Chasing a stiff target on a low wicket, India looked in control of the match as they scored 200 in 36 overs. (Scorecard)

This was Rohit's eighth ODI hundred and the first against South Africa. He has so far played 139 matches and has an average of 39.20. (Ashwin suffers side strain, Harbhajan included in the squad)

Rohit played the supporting role in the first six overs as the other opener Shikhar Dhawan (23, 28 balls) went on the offensive. The left-hander took a special liking for Farhaan Behardien and Kagiso Rabada, before getting dismissed by Morne Morkel in the eighth over.

It was only after that Rohit Sharma took the initiative. He stitched a chanceless partnership with No. 3 batsman Ajinkya Rahane (60, 82 balls) and the duo completed 149-run stand in 26 overs.

The 28-year-old Rohit, who recently became only the second Indian to score a T20I century, tackled the spinners and pacers alike. From JP Duminy to Morkel none were spared.

Rohit and Rahane's strategy was clear. They kept the scoreboard ticking with brilliant running between the wickets and latched on to the loose balls to score fours and sixes.

Rohit's most brilliant over came against Imran Tahir. In the 30th over, he hit the spinner a four and a six to increase the run-rate.

Rahane got out in the 34th over but Rohit continued. Finally, he completed his century against in the 36th over as he Behardien for a boundary.

He eventually fell for 150 off 132 balls and the Indians faltered after that. Dhoni got them close but South Africa won the game by 5 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.