ICC Cricket World Cup: India beat South Africa by six wickets

SUMMARY

Rohit Sharma curbed his natural flair for greater good as his gritty hundred complemented a superb bowling effort in India's resounding six-wicket victory over a hapless South Africa in their World Cup opener on Wednesday. It was an uncharacteristic 23rd ODI hundred for the Indian vice-captain (122 no off 144 balls) in a successful chase of 228 in conditions that were not exactly conducive for free-flowing strokeplay. It might have taken India 47.3 overs to complete the chase but not for once were they in any sort of trouble.

By PTIJun 5, 2019 11:34:55 PM IST (Updated)

India's MS Dhoni, left, plays a shot during the Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and India at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, England, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. AP/PTI(AP6_5_2019_000243B)

South Africa's wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, left, reacts as India's Rohit Sharma, right, plays a shot during the Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and India at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, England, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. AP/PTI(AP6_5_2019_000244B)

India's Rohit Sharma raises his bat and helmet to celebrate scoring a century during the Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and India at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, England, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. AP/PTI(AP6_5_2019_000247B)

India's MS Dhoni hits 2 runs off the bowling of South Africa's Tabraiz Shamsi during their Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and India at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, England, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. AP/PTI(AP6_5_2019_000249B)

Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, centre, celebrates taking the wicket of New Zealand's Martin Guptill during the World Cup cricket match between Bangladesh and New Zealand at The Oval in London, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. AP/PTI(AP6_5_2019_000251B)

India's Rohit Sharma bats during the Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and India at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, England, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. AP/PTI(AP6_5_2019_000253B)

South Africa's Chris Morris falls on the ground after taking the catch to dismiss India's MS Dhoni, right, during the Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and India at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, England, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. AP/PTI(AP6_5_2019_000254B)