Published 22:54 IST, June 5th 2019
World Cup 2019 | 'Chak De India!', social media erupts in joy after India's six-wicket win over South Africa
India started their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign in style with a six-wicket win over South Africa at Southampton on Wednesday
India started their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign in style with a six-wicket win over South Africa at Southampton on Wednesday. Playing in their opening match, the 'Men In Blue' brought their A-game against the Proteas. Meanwhile, South Africa, who were playing their third game, after having lost two of their previous encounters against hosts England and Bangladesh, competed well against India, but it was not enough at the end of the day.
South African skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision backfired as South Africa kept losing wickets at regular intervals and at 89/5, it looked like they would be bundled out rather quickly. However, some important contributions from their middle and lower order took them to a decent total of 227/9 in their 50 overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the bowlers for India with figures of 4/51 in his 10 overs at an economy rate of 5.10. Chris Morris top-scored for the Proteas with a 34-ball 42 at a strike rate of 123.53 including a boundary and two maximums.
In reply, India got off to a shaky start as they lost Shikhar Dhawan's wicket very early. Rohit and Kohli were then involved in a small partnership before Kohli was dismissed as India were reeling at 54/2. Rohit then added 85 runs with KL Rahul for the third wicket stand.
The Hitman anchored India's run chase and he brought up his 23rd One-Day International century which also turned out to be a match-winning one.
The Indian vice-captain stitched a 74-run stand with veteran MS Dhoni as the duo took India past the finish line with more than two overs to spare.
Rohit remained unbeaten on a 144-ball 122 (13x4 and 2x6) while Dhoni was unbeaten on 34.
Rohit was adjudged 'Man of the Match' for his splendid knock.
Here's how the netizens reacted after India registered their opening win in the showpiece event.
Updated 17:50 IST, June 13th 2019