New Delhi:
It was India’s Sunday again. After drubbing Pakistan last Sunday, clinical India today rode on a rollicking Dhawan’s century to defeat South Africa by 130 runs in a group B match at Melbourne. It seems like India had kept their best for the World Cup.
Dhawan well known as “Gabbar Singh” hit his career-best 137 to push India to a comfortable 307 for seven before the bowlers performed brilliantly to bundle out the shoddy Proteas for 177 in 40.2 overs. This was India’s maiden World Cup win against South Africa after having lost the clashes in earlier 1992, 1999 and 2011 editions.
With two wins from as many matches, India now place on the top of the table and have good chance of qualifying for knockout stages.
With the help of Dhawan’s century and Rahane’s quick-fire 79, India posted their highest total in a World Cup game against the Proteas surpassing their previous highest of 296 in Nagpur. It was a collapse seen at the death overs as India lost 5 wickets just for 46 runs.
The Delhi opener scored his seventh ODI ton, became the highest scorer in a World Cup game against South Africa. Dhawan stitched two 100 plus runs partnerships with Kohli and Rahane to power India past 300 runs.
Indian bowlers kept the opposition on toes from the very first ball. Mohit slapped two, Ashwini claimed three wickets.
The bowling unit fired in accord as Proteas never recovered once skipper AB was found short of his crease with Mohit’s accurate throw on top of the stumps.
Du Plessis wagged the lone battle and scored 55 runs before perishing to Mohit Sharma.
It was an electric atmosphere at the MCG as Dhoni’s men reached home in style. The Indian dressing room erupted in joy as Imran Tahir was trapped in front of wicket.
