World Cup 2019: Rohit Sharma's stellar ton powers India to 6-wicket win over South Africa

Indian bowlers delivered the goods with the ball by consistently picking up wickets and restricting the Proteas to a below par 227-run total.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 05: Rohit Sharma of India bats during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between South Africa and India at The Hampshire Bowl on June 05, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

New Delhi: Virat Kohli-led India beat South Africa by six wickets to begin their 2019 ICC World Cup campaign on a winning note on Wednesday. India was all conquering on the green turf against their African opponents, dominating them in all facets of the game played at Rose Bowl in Southampton . Indian bowlers delivered the goods with the ball by consistently picking up wickets and restricting the Proteas to a below par 227-run total. The Indian seamers first dented the South African top order by sending the openers, Quinton De Kock and Hashim Amla, back to the pavilion. It was then spin magic from both ends as Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal ripped through the South African middle order. Chahal was particularly impressive as he took four wickets on his World Cup debut. There was a late recovery from David Miller and Chris Morris but the Indians again struck back to polish off the Proteas tail. The Proteas eventually folded for a paltry 227. Chasing a modest total of 228, India lost Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli early. However their seasoned opener Rohit Sharma steadied the ship and helped India resurrected their innings. Sharma was provided good support by KL Rahul and the ever dependable MS Dhoni . South Africa made a late recovery into the game by picking up the wickets of MS Dhoni and KL Rahul, but it was too late for them to stop a thumping India victory. Rohit Sharma was declared the Man of the Match for his brilliant century. Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav made valuable contributions with the ball to restrict the Proteas to a below-par 227 total. India will be locking horns against Australia in their next encounter on May 9. Australia won their opening match against Afghanistan by seven wickets.