India commenced its World Cup campaign on a rousing note, with a six-wicket triumph over South Africa at a packed Hampshire Bowl here on Wednesday.
Ardent fans, notably the ‘Bharat Army’, were ecstatic after witnessing a commanding performance that found its twin pillars in opener Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 122 and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s four for 51.
South Africa was restricted to 227 for nine in 50 overs after Chahal snapped up key wickets. His two spells kept the South Africans on a leash. None from the opposition line-up got a grip on the spinner, and perished. For all the noise about 300-plus scores in England, this World Cup seems to be slowly shifting the balance towards bowlers and both speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who grabbed two wickets, and Chahal reiterated that point.
The chase was never going to be easy under cloudy skies and with a rival pace attack that was potent despite the absence of Dale Steyn. Kagiso Rabada prised out Shikhar Dhawan but India had a string of partnerships that ensured the target was within reach. ‘Man of the Match’ Rohit braved past the initial nerves, smote a few sixes and fours and dropped anchor while the others batted around him, ranging from skipper Virat Kohli to M.S. Dhoni. K.L. Rahul, too, contributed at number four.
South Africa never got wickets in clusters and its fielding too wilted while the noise from the stands acquired an ear-splitting pitch.
A relieved Rohit said: “It was a small total, but since there was something in it for the bowlers, it was tough and we needed partnerships.” A happy Kohli summed up the game, saying: “Hats off to Rohit, and also the guys who batted around him.”
