India skipper Virat Kohli lauded his side for a professional six-wicket win over South Africa in their 2019 ICC World Cup campaign opener at Southampton on Wednesday.
Despite restricting South Africa to just 227-9, India were made to earn their win with the bat with victory coming only in the 48th over. It was Rohit Sharma who was the star with the bat for India in the tough run chase with the deputy skipper slamming an unbeaten 23rd ODI ton.
“It was important to start on the right note, have a win that was complete,” Kohli said after India’s win.
“If you look at how the game went and pitch behaved, it was challenging. Hats off to Rohit, very professional win.”
The India skipper was also delighted with the bowling displays of Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal who were both in fantastic form on Wednesday. Bumrah (2-35) was sensational with the new-ball and removed both openers in an inspired spell while Chahal (4-51) ran through the South Africa middle-order with his wrist-spin.
“Jasprit is operating at a different level, batsmen are always feeling pressure. Chahal too was outstanding,” said Kohli.
“We’re confident as a group, with the bat we had to be careful. That’s why I said Rohit’s innings was special. One of the top three getting a hundred is something we bank on” Kohli added.
Meanwhile, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis was left to rue a third straight defeat in the 2019 World Cup which has seen his team’s chances of making the semi-final in big jeopardy.
“Ours is a change room that is hurting, trying to make sure we keep fighting but we’re making mistakes all the time,” a dejected du Plessis said after the loss.
“Today someone had to bat through, we didn’t do that. To have so many 30s and 40s is not unacceptable.”
South Africa will now hope to get their campaign back on track when they take on West Indies at the same venue on Monday. India, meanwhile, will now travel to London with their next clash slated to take place against Australia at the Oval on Sunday.
