India Start Their WC Campaign With a Win
An opening victory for India has South Africa's Cricket World Cup campaign teetering on the edge.
Rohit Sharma made the most of an early reprieve to post an unbeaten 122 and guide India to a six-wicket win over an injury-depleted South Africa.
Sharma's let off came in the second over — Kagiso Rabada's first — when he fended at a short ball which brushed his glove and carried to second slip, but South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis wasn't able to grab it.
He was also dropped on 107 before India surpassed the victory target of 228 with 15 balls to spare, consigning South Africa to a third straight defeat.
After waiting until day seven to get its campaign started, India will have to turn around quickly to play defending champion Australia at the Oval on Sunday. South Africa remains in Southampton to face West Indies, needing a convincing win to maintain any hope of advancing to the playoffs.
Rohit Sharma Named Player of the Match
Rohit was adjudged the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 122, which included 13 fours and 2 sixes.
"Couldn't play my natural game today, ball was doing a lot. Needed time to play my shots," said Rohit Sharma after the match.
India Reach Home With 6 Wickets in Hand
Rohit Sharma scores an unbeaten 122 to steer India home against South Africa in their opening match of ICC World Cup 2019 in Southampton. Hardik Pandya hit the winning runs as he scored 15 runs of 7 balls.
With this win, India open their account on the points table and are placed sixth on the table due to an inferior run rate of +0.302.
India next play Australia on Sunday, 9 June at The Oval in London.
IND v SA LIVE SCORE: Morris Sends Dhoni Back
MSD wanted to wrap up things quickly but ended up giving his wicket. Dhoni hit a skier that really went up high in the air. Morris falls over the stumps but takes the catch off hos won ball to complete a stunner.
Dhoni dismissed for 34.
After 47 overs, India need 6 runs from 18 balls.