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.

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.