South Africa 227/9 in 50 overs (Chris Morris 42, Faf du Plessis 38; Yuzvendra Chahal 4-51, Jasprit Bumrah 2-35).
India 230/4 in 47.3 (Rohit 122, Dhoni 34; Rabada 2-39)
After being bitten twice chasing targets, Faf du Plessis opted to bat. India did well to restrict South Africa to a below par score of 227/9.
They were tottering at 89/5 at one stage before Chris Morris’ rearguard knock of 42(34) alongside Kagiso Rabada (31(36)) pushed their team’s total beyond 200. Yuzhvendra Chahal in the middle overs and Jasprith Bumrah at the start were exemplary for India in the 1st innings.
South Africa’s heroes with the bat were excellent with the new ball as well. Morris and Rabada strangled the Indian openers, conceding just 31 runs in their 9 overs in the powerplay and picking up the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan.
Their hopes soared when Andil Phehlukwayo picked up the prized wicket of Virat Kohli (18) in the 16th over. However, they were unable to breakthrough the Indian middle order as Rohit Sharma blunted the bowling and guided the men-in-blue home with a patient century.
If there was a moment that could describe South Africa in this World Cup in a nutshell, it was when David Miller inexplicably dropped a sitter in the 44th over to allow Rohit stay unbeaten in India’s successful chase of their modest target!
South Africa have now lost 3 in a row and are rooted to the bottom of the league table. India are off to a winning start.
