Team India started its ICC World Cup 2019 campaign on a winning note after comfortably defeating South Africa by 6 wickets. Rohit Sharma was the star of the show, having scored an unbeaten 122 run-knock to ensure the Men in Blue chased down the target of 228 in 48 over.
In the first innings, Yuzvendra Chahal was in top form, as spinner ran through the Proteas’ middle order. Having been reduced for 89/5, it seemed that South Africa were headed for another low-scoring innings. However, the lower order did what the top order could not. Andile Phehlukwayo (34), Chris Morris (42), and Kagiso Rabada (31) all played a creditable game to help South Africa reach a defendable score of 227/9. Although they lost a couple of early wickets in the second innings, India managed to comfortably chase down the total courtesy of a impressive knock by Rohit Sharma. The Hitman’s 23rd ODI century was peppered with 13 fours and 2 sixes.
Naturally, the Twitterati went haywire after India won their opening World Cup match. Here is how the fans reacted:
Yesterday ravi shastri told Rohit Sharma if he gets out quickly he has to watch #Bharat movie and the rest is history ? #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/elPiM1Rk6m
— Pabitra mukhi (@PabsMukhi) June 6, 2019
The moment when MS Dhoni paused, let Rohit go in first. That respect, understanding they have & the game awareness probably as openers needed to rush in, pad-up & get some time.
There is no doubt that bonding #TeamIndia has is the best. #IndvSA #Dhoni #RohitSharma #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/Trhc1enw17
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) June 6, 2019
First victory for men in blue ??
Congrats #TeamIndia ??
Jasprit Bumrah operating at a different level, By far Rohit's best ODI innings – Virat Kohli#INDvSA #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/bJF5xnJUiP— Bharathi M Kumar (@BharathiKumar4) June 6, 2019
The three musketeers !! #IndvSA #ViratKohli #Dhoni #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/IetiJgUeml
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) June 6, 2019
Shaabash Rohit ! Bumrah, Chahal creating pressure throughout . Fantastic win to start the World Cup for Team India. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/lGVHj8mfuO
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 5, 2019
A wonderful, mature innings from Rohit Sharma. Great assessment of the situation and seeing India through to the win in the end, a hallmark of top players @ImRo45 . A well begun World Cup campaign for Team India #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/Hmul57c4BO
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 5, 2019
A great game of cricket played by #TeamIndia.@yuzi_chahal and @Jaspritbumrah93 bowled exceptionally well and gave ?? a perfect start.
It was lovely to see @ImRo45 play a mature innings and stay till the end and get us home.#INDvSA #CWC19 #MatchDekhaKya pic.twitter.com/006sOK4J1X— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 5, 2019
Fantastic innings from Rohit Sharma. Great maturity and finishing the job in the end @ImRo45 . Bumrah and Chahal were superb with the ball as well. Great beginning to the World Cup for Team India. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/rtIMoUzVdH
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 5, 2019
What a way to begin the campaign ???
Congratulations to #TeamIndia on the amazing start ?? Special mention to @ImRo45 on a brilliant knock! Let's bring the cup home boys ? #INDvSA #CWC19
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) June 5, 2019
This stats! ?
Bumrah's 1st Wicket In
Odi – Steve Smith
Test – AB Devillers
T20I – David Warner
IPL – Virat Kohli
World Cup – Hashim Amla*#IndvSA— V I P E R™ (@TheViper_offl) June 5, 2019
Congratulations #TeamIndia for beginning #CWC19 journey today with a splendid win against South Africa. Congrats @ImRo45 for a splendid century.
Best wishes to the entire Indian team led by @imVkohli for success in the remaing part of the tournament too.
#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/ZT8DM4rphC— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) June 5, 2019
"Jasprit Bumrah is operating at a different level. There's one thing to see a bowler bowl, but to catch that ball and to feel the heaviness of it. When I caught it, for 15 minutes my hands were buzzing. Haven't seen Amla get out like that in ODIs"- Virat Kohli #INDvSA #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/VnXeznSNoo
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) June 5, 2019
And that’s how you start the campaign.
Bumrah with the new ball, Chahal in the middle…Rohit and Dhoni with the bat. Well done, India ?? #CWC19 #IndvSA— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 5, 2019
