Finally, the wait was over and it was India who started their World Cup campaign. There is no denying that for many Indian cricket fans, the World Cup started today. With the help of Yuzvendra Chahal 4 wickets and Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten century of 122, India won their first match against South Africa by 6 wickets. South Africa won the toss in Match 8 and this time they elected to bat first. Watch the key highlights of the match.
1. South Africa Poor Start
South Africa started poorly as they lost both of their openers in 6 overs. Jasprit Bumrah fiery opening spell has knocked Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock out. Faf Du Plessis and Rassie Van Der Dussen steadied South African innings with 54 partnership.
2. Spinners Strike In Second Powerplay
When South Africa was looking good with Faf Du Plessis and Rassie Van Der Dussen at the crease. Yuzvendra Chahal double-wicket over dented South Africa. He dismissed both the set batsmen in 20th over. Both batsmen bowled out on Chahal. Kuldeep Yadav sent JP Duminy back for 3.
With South Africa lost their 5 wickets on 89, their lower middle order provided them with some useful contribution to take them to a respectable and fighting total of 227 for the loss of 9.
Chris Morris was the top scorer from South Africa at Match 8 as he scored 42. Andile Phehlukwayo got out on 34 and Kagiso Rabada was not out on 31.
Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the bowlers for India as he took 4 wickets, Jasprit Bumrah and BhuvneshwarKumar took two wickets each and Kuldeep Yadav took 1 wicket.
3. India’s Slow Start
India started slowly against South Africa’s pace attack. Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris bowled a good line and length with pace and didn’t let Indian batsmen score freely. The pressure rises and Shikhar Dhawan nicked one to Quinton De Kock on Rabada. India completed their 50 in 15th over. Soon after Kohli nicked one to Quinton De Kock on Andile Phehlukwayo. Virat Kohli got out on 18. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma brought India back from early jitters with a partnership of 85.
After KL Rahul got out, MS Dhoni joined Rohit Sharma. South Africa’s fielding was not up to the mark as they have dropped Rohit Sharma twice. Rohit Sharma hit his second century of the World Cup (first was against Bangladesh in 2015). When MS Dhoni got out, India needed only 15 runs. He was out on 34 on 46 balls was caught and bowled by Chris Morris. Hardik Pandya cameo of 15 runs in 7 balls, not out made it easy for India. South Africa fought hard but with a complete package team like India, it was always going to be difficult as they lost the match by 6 wickets. Rabada was the pick of the bowler for South Africa as he took 2 wickets for 39.
4. Rohit Sharma – Man Of The Match
Rohit Sharma for his amazing innings of 122 runs not out became the Man of the Match. He hit 13 fours and 2 sixes in his innings. India comfortably won by 6 wickets in 48th over.
India will play their next match against Australia on Sunday, June 9 at Kennington Oval, while South Africa will play against power hitters West Indies at Southampton on Monday, June 10. Tomorrow we have Australia taking on West Indies at Trentbridge, Nottingham. You can also watch the key moments from the World Cup matches. How much you know about the World Cup? Here are some amazing facts about the World Cup. Stay Tune with Entertales for the key moments of all the matches of the World Cup.
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