India defeated South Africa by 21 runs in the one-off T20I played today at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban.
Indian captain MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket that appeared to assist the slow bowlers. The Indian batsmen proved the decision right by putting on 50 runs in just 5.1 overs. 
Murali Vijay (14) started the innings with three attractive fours but perished trying for the fourth one. Virat Kohli (28) and Rohit Sharma (53) then added 49 runs for the second wicket. Sharma was in particular hit a few attractive shots to hit five fours and two sixes in his 34-ball innings. India’s 100 came in the 12th over but two quick wickets in the form of Sharma and Yuvraj Singh (12) brought the Proteas back in the game.
Suresh Raina made a 23-ball 41 runs with three sixes and two fours and added 26 runs from 17 balls with Yusuf Pathan (6) and then 32 runs (24 balls) with MS Dhoni (10). He was the last man out off the last ball of the Indian innings.
For South Africa, Rusty Theron picked up 2/39 while Wayne Parnell bowled an economical four overs for 1/25. Makhaya Ntini had a forgettable outing giving away 46 runs in his quota of four overs.
South Africa began their chase losing Hashim Amla (6) in the second over. However, Morne van Wyk was unstoppable at the other end scoring 67 runs off just 39 balls. His innings included five fours and an equal number of sixes. He was specifically severe on Munaf Patel, making his T20I debut, picking up 25 runs off six deliveries spread over two overs. However, there was no one else supporting his heroics, and the South African challenge was all over when he was out on the score of 93 runs.
Johan Botha was only notable contributor with the bat scoring 25 runs from 22 balls with a six and a four. Ashish Nehra (2/22) and Yusuf Pathan (2/22) picked up two wickets each while other bowlers chipped in with a wicket each.
Rohit Sharma was declared the player of the match for his sparkling fifty. Cricket South Africa honored Sachin Tendulkar and Makhaya Ntini for their services to cricket. Jonty Rhodes showed great gesture in presenting a bowling machine for Ntini’s cricket academy. The teams will again meet on 12th January 2011 at Durban for the first of the five match ODI series.