Indian fans had to wait almost a week to see the team open their 2019 World Cup campaign and Wednesday’s match proved it was worth with match-winning contributions of Yuzvendra Chahal and Rohit Sharma.
The Virat Kohli-led side defeated South Africa in Southampton by six wickets.
South African openers were sent back in half-century score by Jasprit Bumrah and Chahal. The middle order was dismantled by Kuldeep Yadav. Bhuvneshwar Kumar wrapped up the fielding with late wickets. India restricted the opponent to 227 for 9.
Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten on 144-ball 122 equipped with thirteen 4s and 2 sixes. He helped team India to line up with relative ease.
It was the 23rd ODI century of Rohit Sharma and third defeat of South African in the tournament.
Indian captain Virat Kohli also played key role in bringing victory. He went with three slips and reaped the reward.
Kohli batted with great level of maturity while KL Rahul batted slowly and smartly in partnership. He was fifty off 70 deliveries.
MS Dhoni batted scoring 34 and was unlucky playing a big shot. He was caught out.
Meanwhile, South Africa knows the team is in serious trouble. Their confidence seems crushed. The next handful of matches is with West Indies, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
