India v South Africa, ICC World Cup 2015: As it happened
- India win the toss and MS Dhoni elected to bat first
- India 307/7 from 50 overs
- Shikhar Dhawan 137 (146)
- South Africa 177 all out
- India win by 30 runs and defeat South Africa for the first time in World Cup
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Click here to read the match report as India defeat South Africa in Group B fixture of the 2015 ICC World Cup.
MS Dhoni
I think more than just the result, it was how we played. Back to back performances by both the bowling and batting units. South Africa are a very good side, so one more complete performance. We can only speculate how important the toss was. We were able to swing the ball under lights. The bowlers bowled in good areas, and even Jadeja bowled very well, not just quick and flat the way he usually bowls.
Very pleased with the run-outs. We usually see the oppositions taking on our fast bowlers in the deep. Mohit and Umesh are quite fast and have good arms. What's happening really well is we are able to execute our plans. I can give fields to the fast bowlers. They are not bowling loose balls. They bowled tight lines and the batsmen had to play big shots to get runs. The amount of effort the fast bowlers are putting in the nets is beginning to show now.
AB de Villiers
The run-outs cost us dearly tonight, just when we got started with the bat. We lost our way. Thought our bowlers fought back well, we were looking at 350 at one stage. It was a 270-275 kind of wicket, but looking at the way the Indians batted, it was a good effort to restrict them to 307.
We just have to regroup as a batting unit and work hard on our game. I still thought it was a good toss to win. It was one of those where you wanted to bat first and put a team under pressure who had fielded in the heat, but still no excuses. We lost Vernon and I needed Parny's overs. Otherwise I'd have ended up bowling again. We just didn't bat well enough.
Shikhar Dhawan
I would say it's a great feeling. It was important that the partnerships were going big for my team. That was my plan. We lost the early wicket today, AB hit a great run out. Just wanted to stay at the wicket, respected the good balls.
I was relaxed, I knew once set I could bring up the run rate again. After 20-25th over I was in, and I knew I could get boundaries easily. [Kohli and Rahane] batted beautifully. Virat at the start when we were under pressure, gave the stability, and Jinky started on a good note, and his strike rate was good so I could relax at the other end.
Over 38: South Africa 162 for 9: Wayne Parnell 10 (21), Imran Tahir 1 (2)
Ashwin is in his ninth over . He gets Morkel out as he was clueless when the ball beats him and hits the stumps. India are now one wicket away as Imran Tahir is the man in the middle.
Tahir gets off the mark with a single towards mid off. Good over from Ashwin as he gets a wicket and one run so far.
Over 37: South Africa 161 for 8: Wayne Parnell 10 (20), Morne Morkel 2 (3)
Shami is back into the attack. Parnell takes a single of the first ball and Steyn gives away his wicket by giving a simple catch to Dhawan. Morne Morkel in the new man in the middle and he gets off the mark with a single towards fine leg.
Parnell then takes another single towards fine leg and this is not helping South Africa. India are sensing a win here. Shami finishes his over with a wicket and four runs.
Over 34: South Africa 153 for 7: Wayne Parnell 4 (9)
Ashwin continues to attack and there was a chance of a leg before wicket. Umpire says it is not out. India rejects the review and the hawk eye suggests that ball was hitting the leg stump. Narrow escape for Parnell.
Miller then sweeps towards fine leg and he wanted a double. Umesh Yadav's good throw helps Dhoni take the bails off and the square leg umpire refers to the third umpire to take a decision. Miller's bat was on the line and that's the end of his innings.
Vernon Philander is the new man in the middle and Ashwin pitches in the middle and hits his pad. Indian players appeal and on field umpire gives him out. Philander wants to review the decision.
The third umpire gives out and that is the end of Philander and also the end of the over two. India gets two wickets.
Over 33: South Africa 151 for 5: David Miller 21 (22), Wayne Parnell 4 (9)
Mohammad Shami replaces Mohit Sharma after an impressive first spell. He had a massive impact early in the innings and Shami will be looking to replicate it now. Parnell places towards cover and wanted a double.
Miller takes the trouble and Dhoni throws the ball to the no strikers end and Shami then takes the bails off. Umpire refers to third umpire, who confirms Parnell was way in and is safe. Three runs from the over.
Over 32: South Africa 148 for 5: David Miller 21 (22), Wayne Parnell 1 (3)
Ashwin is hoping to press and get a wicket for his side. The ball misses Duminy and hits Dhoni's helmet. Duminy tries to reverse sweep the ball and extra bounce results in a top edge and simple catch to Raina at slip.
Big wicket for India and Wayne Parnell replaces Duminy in the middle. He finishes the over with a single. One run and a wicket from the over.
Over 31: South Africa 147 for 4: David Miller 21 (22), JP Duminy 6 (12)
Mohit Sharma continues after picking his second wicket. Can he get another wicket? Two singles have come off the first two deliveries. Mohit has a slip in place for Duminy. It is then followed by two dot balls.
Very well played by Duminy as he slices past the first slip fielder and the third man is forced to come running to save two runs for his side. Duminy finishes the over with a single.
Over 30: South Africa 142 for 4: David Miller 20 (21), JP Duminy 2 (7)
Ashwin continues to attack and has been expensive so far. Miller sweeps towards fine keg for a boundary, which is then followed by a single. Duminy is off the mark with a single. Miller just punches towards long off for a single. Good over for South Africa as they 8 runs off it.
Over 29: South Africa 134 for 4: David Miller 14 (17), JP Duminy 0 (5)
Mohit Sharma is re-introduced back into the attack. He has picked up one wicket of Amla and he needs to get another breakthrough. He strikes back off the first ball as Du Plessis gives away his wicket by giving a simple catch to Dhawan at mid off.
JP Duminy is the new man to replace Du Plessis. Good over for India as it ends with a wicket and a wide.
Over 27: South Africa 131 for 3: Faf du Plessis 54 (68), David Miller 13 (13)
Miller slog sweeps towards square leg and the ball lands just ahead of Mohit Sharma and it was tough for him to get his hands. The ball races to the boundary. He then takes a single, which is followed by a double from Du Plessis. It comes with two singles to finish the over.
Over 26: South Africa 121 for 3: Faf du Plessis 50 (65), David Miller 7 (10)
Ashwin is bowling his third over. Miller takes a single and gets off the strike. There was an appeal for caught behind, but the umpire rejects the appeal. The replay shows the ball hits the pad. Du Plessis then takes a single and gets Miller on strike, who takes three runs after sweeping towards square leg.
Du Plessis takes a single and that brings his 50.
Over 25: South Africa 115 for 3: Faf du Plessis 48 (62), David Miller 3 (6)
Jadeja continues with spin and is bowling his seventh over. Du Plessis takes a single towards long on and Miller finishes the over with another single. Just 2 runs from the over. Singles doing the job for South Africa, which has put more pressure on them.
Over 24: South Africa 113 for 3: Faf du Plessis 47 (59), David Miller 2 (4)
Ashwin comes to bowl his second over and Du Plessis taps down the ground for a single. Miller gets off the mark with a single towards square leg. Du Plessis takes another single and three runs have come from the over. 5 runs from the over as Du Plessis finishes the over with fifth single of the over.
Over 23: South Africa 108 for 3: Faf du Plessis 44 (56), David Miller 0 (1)
Jadeja returns from the other end this time. No run off first four deliveries and De Villiers places towards cover. He wanted a double and Mohit Sharma's throw was brilliant and he takes the bails off.
That's the end of De Villiers and there was no double. The risk did not work out and India gets a breakthrough. David Miller is the new man in the middle. A wicket and one run from the over.
Over 22: South Africa 107 for 2: Faf du Plessis 44 (56), AB de Villiers 29 (33)
Ravichandran Ashwin is brought into the attack, who replaces Jadeja. Du Plessis takes a double. He then clear cover inside the circle for a boundary. A good edge and no slip, which sees the ball run towards the boundary rope. 10 runs from the over and South Africa reach 100 runs in the same over.
Over 21: South Africa 97 for 2: Faf du Plessis 34 (50), AB de Villiers 29 (33)
Umesh Yadav is in his sixth over. Du Plessis takes a quick single and was running towards the danger end, only for his luck the ball does not hits the stump. De Villiers then flicks towards fine leg for a double. Five runs from the over as Du Plessis finishes with a single.
Over 19: South Africa 85 for 2: Faf du Plessis 30 (45), AB de Villiers 20 (26)
Umesh Yadav continues and the first two deliveries have ended in dot balls. Yadav is using his pace to his advantage and trying to restrict De Villiers from taking singles. Du Plessis charges down the ground and it takes a top edge to go behind keeper's head for a boundary.
Over 18: South Africa 79 for 2: Faf du Plessis 26 (43), AB de Villiers 19 (22)
Jadeja has been impressive so far with the ball. He has managed to restrict South African bowler from his first three overs. India need wickets as that is the only way they can contain South Africa from keep the score board ticking. 5 runs from the over.
Over 17: South Africa 74 for 2: Faf du Plessis 23 (40), AB de Villiers 17 (19)
Umesh Yadav is brought back into the attack. De Villiers takes two runs off the first ball, which is followed by a quick single. Du Plessis charges down the ground and drives through mid off for a welcome boundary. He finishes the over with a boundary.
Over 15: South Africa 61 for 2: Faf du Plessis 14 (31), AB de Villiers 13 (16)
Mohit continues from the other end. He is in search of his second wicket of the match. Du Plessis places towards deep mid wicket for a single. Short pitch delivery from Mohit and De Villiers punishes it towards deep mid wicket for a boundary.
Down the wicket and this time De Villiers charges towards off side for second boundary.
Over 14: South Africa 52 for 2: Faf du Plessis 13 (29), AB de Villiers 5 (12)
Jadeja continues his second over. Du Plessis tries to sweep and misses it, hitting the pads, Bowler and Dhoni appeal, which is turned down by the umpire. After two dot balls, Du Plessis drives towards long off for a single, which helps South Africa reach 50.
De Villiers sends the ball in the same direction and gets one run. Du Plessis finishes the over with a single.
Over 13: South Africa 49 for 2: Faf du Plessis 11 (24), AB de Villiers 4 (11)
Mohit is bowling his fourth over after picking up a wicket in the previous over. De Villiers tries pull towards mid on, only to find the fielder on two occasions. He gets off the strike after taking a single in the third ball. Two runs from the over.
Over 12: South Africa 47 for 2: Faf du Plessis 10 (23), AB de Villiers 3 (6)
Ravindra Jadeja is brought into the attack and he replaces Shami. Dhoni introduces spin in the 12th over. Du Plessis takes a single from the first ball. De Villiers takes a single after two dot balls. It is then followed by two singles from both the batsmen.
Over 11: South Africa 43 for 2: Faf du Plessis 8 (21), AB de Villiers 1 (2)
Mohit continues with the ball from the other end. After a wide, Du Plessis pulls one towards square leg for a single. Amla then tries to hook towards fine leg, only to find Shami's safe hands. That's the end of Shami and a big breakthrough for India.
Skipper AB de Villiers is made to walk in the middle early in the innings. Du Plessis will face the strike as De Villiers will start from the non strikers end. Du Plessis takes a single, which is then followed by another single from the skipper to get off the mark. Five runs and a wicket for India.
Over 10: South Africa 38 for 1: Hashim Amla 22 (27), Faf du Plessis 5 (18)
Du Plessis takes a single off the first ball. Two dot balls is then followed by a two runs, which came from Kohli's misfield at mid off. Amla then pulls towards square leg and that is a welcome boundary for South Africa.
Good over for the Proteas as they get 8 runs from it.
Over 9: South Africa 30 for 1: Hashim Amla 16 (22), Faf du Plessis 4 (17)
South Africa are just one run short after 8 overs as India were 29/1 at this stage. Mohit continues his second over and once again flicks towards the deep mid wicket area and gets two runs.
There was a chance of a run out after a mix up and a brilliant fielding from Rahane helped India to send Amla back to the pavilion, only before Raina wastes the chances by missing the stumps.
Over 8: South Africa 28 for 1: Hashim Amla 14 (16), Faf du Plessis 4 (17)
Shami continues, despite taking a treatment before this over. Du Plessis takes a single off the first delivery towards fine leg. Amla tries to flick it and it falls just short of square leg player. Amla wanted a quick single and was running towards the danger end, but the ball doesn't hot the stumps.
Brilliant over from Shami as he conceded just two runs from the over.
Over 7: South Africa 26 for 1: Hashim Amla 13 (13), Faf du Plessis 3 (14)
Early change in the bowling attack as Mohit Sharam replaces Umesh Yadav. Du Plessis faces him and the first three balls have ended with no run. He then pulls towards square leg for a single.
Amla uses his footwork and then punches towards mid on and square leg and gets two runs. It takes the edge and runs towards first slip for four. No slips in pace and Amla should be feeling really lucky.
Over 5: South Africa 17 for 1: Hashim Amla 6 (8), Faf du Plessis 1 (7)
Yadav is bowling his third over. Amla nicely flips towards square leg and Shami was forced to come from the fine leg to save one run for his side. South Africa get three runs. That brings Du Plessis on strike, who is yet to get off the mark.
Du Plessis gets off the mark after placing towards third man for a single. Amla takes a quick single. 5 runs from the over.
Over 4: South Africa 12 for 1: Hashim Amla 2 (5), Faf du Plessis 0 (3)
Shami continues from the other end. He is trying to bowl just outside off, which is De Kock's weak area. De Kock tries to drive and gives a simple catch to Virat Kohli at mid off. Faf du Plessis replaced De Kock and he joins Amal in the middle.
Good over from India as they have picked up a wicket and no run has been conceded. A wicket maiden.
Over 3: South Africa 12 for 0: Hashim Amla 2 (5), Quinton de Kock 7 (12)
Yadav is in his second over. No run from the first three deliveries. Nicely timed by De Kock between cover and mid off and he gets two runs. De Kock tries to pull and misses it completely as the ball hits his ribs and raise towards third man for a single.
Over 2: South Africa 8 for 0: Hashim Amla 2 (5), Quinton de Kock 5 (6)
Mohammed Shami will continue to attack from the other end with the bowl. Shami pitches outside leg stump and Amla tries to flick it towards leg side for a boundary. However, the square short leg fielder cuts it off and results in no run.
Amla manages to beat the gully and the ball races to the third man for a single. Just a wide and a single from the five deliveries that have been bowled. De Kock finishes the over with a single.
Over 1: South Africa 6 for 0: Hashim Amla 1 (1), Quinton de Kock 4 (5)
Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock open South Africa's batting division, while Umesh Yadav starts the first over. Amla gets off the mark from the first delivery and De Kock pulls the first ball he faces. It goes behind the keeper for a boundary after taking a top edge.
Yadav bowls first wide of the innings in the very first over. Good start for South Africa as six runs have come from it.
Over 50: India 307 for 7: Ravichandran Ashwin 5 (5), Mohammed Shami 4 (4)
Steyn will bowl the final over. Ashwin misses the ball and he then takes a single off the second delivery. Shami swings his bat and the ball races towards fine leg for four runs.
Shami swings his bat, this time only to not make contact with the ball. Three dot balls and Steyn finishes the over with another dot ball. That's the end of Indian innings.
Over 49: India 302 for 7: Ravichandran Ashwin 4 (3), Mohammed Shami 0 (1)
Morkel is bowling his last over and Ashwin gets off the mark with a short towards third man, where the ball pitches right in front of the fielder. Dhoni takes a single and gets off the strike. India needs Dhoni on strike as he is the danger man out of the two batsmen in the middle.
Ashwin clears the mid on fielder and Tahir is forced to dive to save the ball from reaching the boundary. Ashiwn gets three runs and also it brings Dhoni on strike. He tries to pull and results in giving a simple catch to De Kock. Mohammed Shami replaces Dhoni and finishes the over with a dot ball.
Over 48: India 297 for 6: Ravichandran Ashwin 0 (0), MS Dhoni 17 (9)
Parnell is bowling the 48th over and the first ball ends in no run. Jadeja tries to take a quick single and De Villiers once again hits the stumps to send Jadeja back to the pavilion. India lose their six wicket.
Ravichandran Ashwin is the new man, who is at the non strikers end. Fine leg was inside the circle and Dhoni woops it around the leg side and gets four runs. He then smashes straight down the ground and that is his second boundary of the over. Short again and Dhoni pulls once again towards fine leg.
Parnell bowls a wide and Dhoni finishes the over with a dot ball.
Over 47: India 284 for 5: Ravindra Jadeja 2 (2), MS Dhoni 5 (5)
Ravindra Jadeja replaces Rahane as Tahir comes to bowl his last over. Dhoni takes two runs after the first delivery ends in a dot ball. Jadeja gets off the mark with a single down the long off.
Dhoni takes another single and Jadeja finishes the over with a single.
Over 46: India 278 for 5: MS Dhoni 1 (1)
Dhoni straight into the action and takes a single of the first ball off Steyn, who replaces Parnell. Rahane is struggling to get off the strike as the next three deliveries ends in three dot balls.
Rahane clears the mid off fielder and the ball clears the rope for a six. The final deliver off the over ends with a wicket as Rahane gets out.
Over 45: India 271 for 3: Ajinkya Rahane 73 (55), MS Dhoni 0 (0)
Morkel is in for his eighth over. Rahane starts the over with a single Morkel's slower delivery beats Raina and goes to keeper. Raina then pulls towards square leg and he drops a catch. He gets two runs.
No further damage done as Raina plays a similar short, this time Rossouw makes no mistake and that was an easy dismissal. MS Dhoni replaces him. Rahane finishes the over with two runs.
Over 44: India 266for 3: Ajinkya Rahane 70 (53), Suresh Raina 4 (1)
Parnell continues and Rahane pulls towards deep square leg. The fielder is forced to dive to stop the ball from racing towards the boundary and he gets two runs. This time he smashes to extra cover and Duminy dives to save two more runs for his side. Rahane takes a double of the no ball and it is a free hit.
Rahane takes a single off the free hit. A chance to convert it goes wasted. Dhawan is unable to connect and that results into a dot ball. Dhawan pulls towards fine leg and Amla takes an easy catch at fine leg. That is the end of Dhawan and Suresh Raina is the best player in the death overs. He will be at the non strikers end.
Rahane takes single and brings Raina on strike. He gets off the mark with a boundary towards third man.
Over 43: India 254 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 64 (48), Shikhar Dhawan 137 (144)
Imran Tahir has two overs left and he replaces Morkel. Dhawan comes down the ground and smashes it towards long off. Gets only one run. Rahane also comes down the ground and he clears the long on fielder and puts the ball into the stands for a six.
Dhawan wanted a signal and Rahane sends him back. No run, which is followed by another dot ball. He finishes the over with a single. 8 runs from the over.
Over 41: India 237 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 50 (40), Shikhar Dhawan 135 (141)
Morkel is off his eight over. Dhawan gets two runs off the first ball of the over. Dhawan is dealing with boundaries and he flicks it behind the fine leg fielder for a six. It is then followed by two dot balls as Dhawan misses to touch the ball. He then takes a single and that brings 100 runs partnership between Dhawan and Rahane.
Rahane takes a single and he reaches his first World Cup half century.
Over 40: India 227 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 49 (39), Shikhar Dhawan 126 (136)
Steyn continues as he comes to bowl the final over of the batting powerplay. Dhawan smashes towards long and clears the rope for India's first six of the match. Beautiful use of his foot work as Dhawan sends the ball towards deep fine leg with a ramp shot.
11 runs from first four deliveries. Rahane and Dhawan take two singles to end the over.
Over 39: India 214 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 48 (38), Shikhar Dhawan 114 (131)
Morne Morkel is brought back into the attack. No run from the first two deliveries and Rahane then smashes above the bowlers head for a four towards long off. He then takes no run from the four ball, which has seen just four runs come off the first four deliveries.
Rahane then smashes towards deep mid wicket and gets his second boundary of this over. Finishes the over with another dot ball. 8 runs from the over.
Over 38: India 206 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 40 (32), Shikhar Dhawan 114 (131)
Steyn is introduced back into the attack. Dhawan and Steyn play together for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhawan gets off the strike with a quick single.
Rahane is struggling to face Steyn and then manages to get off the strike by taking a single. Just 2 runs from the over.
Over 37: India 204 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 39 (29), Shikhar Dhawan 113 (128)
Imran Tahir comes to bowl the second over of the powerplay. Dhawan tries to cut it towards short third man and gets a single. Rahane then takes a single and gets Dhawan back in strike.
Dhawan swivelled on his foot and scooped it towards behind fine leg for boundary. India reaches 200. Dhawan and Rahane then takes three singles till the end of the over.
Over 36: India 195 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 37 (27), Shikhar Dhawan 106 (124)
Duminy is brought back into the attack. Just four runs from first four deliveries and the fielders are within the circle. Long off comes within the circle and Rahane clear the circle and the ball races to the boundary.
Rahane then flicks it towards deep fine leg and once again the fielder ins within the circle and the ball races to boundary.
Over 35: India 183 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 28 (23), Shikhar Dhawan 103 (121)
Parnell is bowling his sixth over. Rahane places behind point and Morkel, who was at third man struggles to get to the ball as it goes past the rope. Rahane then nudges towards backward square leg and gets two runs.
Beautiful short from Rahane towards point for a single and that get Dhawan on strike. Dhawan smashes in between point and cover and the ball races to the boundary and he reaches 100.
Over 33: India 170 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 20 (16), Shikhar Dhawan 98 (117)
Parnell is brought back into the attack. Dhawan flicks towards deep fine leg and gets two more runs. The next delivery hits the pad and goes to the same place and gets only one run. Rahane times the ball very well and places it in between cover and point and gets a single.
Dhawan pulls towards square leg and gets a single. He moves to 98. Rahane pulls to mid wicket for a boundary. The final delivery edges and touches the keeper's hands and goes past the first slip fielder and the ball races to the boundary.
Over 32: India 156 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 11 (13), Shikhar Dhawan 95 (114)
Morkel replaces Tahir. South Africa have been changed their bowlers regularly today. Dhawan takes a single and Rahane takes another quick single. Morkel's quicker delivery hits the bat and goes close to the keeper. Dhawan ends the over with a single and they get 3 runs from the over.
Over 31: India 153 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 10 (11), Shikhar Dhawan 93 (110)
Duminy is back into the attack. Dhawan takes a single and then it Rahane takes two doubles, one sweeping towards backward square leg and other towards deep mid wicket. India reach 150 in the 31st over.
Rahane reverse sweeps and gets his third double of the over. 7 runs off the over.
Over 30: India 146 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 4 (6), Shikhar Dhawan 92 (109)
Tahir is in his seventh over. Dhawan takes a single after placing it to long off. Rahane then gets off the strike by taking another single. Dhawan is dealing with singles now as three runs have come from first three balls.
The next two balls results in two singles and Rahane ends the over with a dot ball.
Over 29: India 141 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 2 (3), Shikhar Dhawan 89 (106)
Morne Morkel is back into the attack to bowl his fourth over. After two dot balls, Dhawan takes a single. Rahane faces Morkel for the first time and just nudges it to the third man for a single. Dhawan finishes the over with a single.
Over 28: India 138 for 2: Ajinkya Rahane 1 (1), Shikhar Dhawan 87 (102)
Kohli gives away his wicket by giving a simple catch to du Plessis at short mid wicket. Ajinkya Rahane is the new man in the middle and he gets off the mark with a single. Dhawan finishes the over with a single. Wicket and two runs from the over.
Over 27: India 136 for 1: Virat Kohli 46 (59), Shikhar Dhawan 86 (98)
Steyn continues to attack and Kohli drives it down the ground towards long on for a four. He does not bother to move from the crease and watches the ball race to the boundary. Kohli pulls towards fine leg and Tahir dives to save the ball race from the boundary. India gets two more runs.
Misfield at deep cover helps Kohli to take two more runs. He finishes the over with a single.
Over 26: India 127 for 1: Virat Kohli 37 (53), Shikhar Dhawan 86 (97)
Imran Tahir is back into the attack. There was a chance of another run out and Tahir misses the ball as Kohli tries to get into the safe zone. The very next ball, Dhawan knicks it and runs down behind the keeper for a boundary. Just 4 runs from the over.
Over 25: India 123 for 1: Virat Kohli 37 (53), Shikhar Dhawan 82 (92)
Dale Steyn is brought back into the attack. Good running between the wickets from India and there was a chance of run out. However, the ball misses the stump and India take an extra run from the over throw.
Dhawan flicks towards fine leg and the ball races towards the boundary very quickly. There was a chance of a run out and Dhawan gets back way early. The ball hits the stumps and India take another run after it hits the stump. Dhawan then finishes the over with a single.
Over 24: India 114 for 1: Virat Kohli 36 (52), Shikhar Dhawan 74 (87)
Brilliant short from Dhawan as he plays an upper cut for a boundary behind the keeper. He then smashes down the ground for second consecutive boundary. Dhawan takes a single after placing it towards third man. Kohli places through mid off and he gets a double to finish the over.
Over 22: India 94 for 1: Virat Kohli 32 (47), Shikhar Dhawan 59 (80)
Parnell is continuing to attack. Dhawan use the face of bat and just plays a weird short and gets off the strike and takes a single. Kohli places towards third man and gets one more single.
India are dealing in singles now. No Ball and Dhawan takes a single. India gets a chance to capitalise on the free hit and Kohli is on strike. Kohli pulls towards deep mid wicket and the player near the rope catches the ball. However, since it is a free hit, Kohli will still stay in the middle and he takes a couple. Seven runs from the over as Kohli finishes with a single.
Over 21: India 87 for 1: Virat Kohli 28 (43), Shikhar Dhawan 57 (77)
Duminy is the option South Africa has as the sixth bowler and he is into his third over. There was a chance of a run out and Kohli gives the ball directly to Duminy and he then turns and throws it at the stumps, only to miss it. India take a single.
Dhawan and Kohli take two singles and Dhawan finishes the over with another single and retains the strike. 4 runs from the over.
Over 20: India 83 for 1: Virat Kohli 26 (39), Shikhar Dhawan 55 (75)
Parnell is in his third over. De Villiers keeps a backward point and Dhawan tries to beat the fielder, only to be dropped by Amla. Dhawan takes a single, which is followed by two dot balls. Kohli then takes a quick single, which was a leg bye.
Good running between the wicket as they take a quick single. End of the over and 4 runs off it.
Over 18: India 77 for 1: Virat Kohli 24 (32), Shikhar Dhawan 52 (70)
Wayne Parnell is new bowler introduced into the attack. After choosing to leave the first ball, Dhawan places it to third man for a single. Kohli then uses his wrist and takes an easy single.
Parmell bowls a quicker delivery and Dhawan sqaure cut seens the ball race to the boundary on the off side, which helps him reach half century.
Over 17: India 70 for 1: Virat Kohli 23 (31), Shikhar Dhawan 47 (65)
Imran Tahir continues after the drinks break. Dhawan takes a single off the first ball. Kohli places in between point and cover, only to get a single. Dhawan comes out of the crease and it hits the pad and keeper catches it.
Tahir and Quinton de Kock make a confident appeal, which is rejected by the umpire. South Africa also reject the option to use the review system. Dhawan finishes the over with a single.
Over 16: India 67 for 1: Virat Kohli 22 (28), Shikhar Dhawan 45 (62)
Morkel is in his fourth over. Kohli takes a single and gives the strike to Dhawan. Morkel bowls a quick bouncer and the ball jams into Dhawan's finger as he tries to avoid the ball from hitting his face.
Dhawan then pulls through leg side and the ball races like a bullet to the square leg boundary. Morkel takes the run up and then slows down at the end, before finally pulling away. He then tries to hook over fine leg and he gets a single. Time for drinks break.
Over 14: India 56 for 1: Virat Kohli 18 (23), Shikhar Dhawan 38 (55)
Morkel continues and he still has one slip in place. Kohli and Dhawan takes two singles off the first two deliveries. Kohli then taps the ball and Dhawan wanted a single. He realises there was no chance and runs back to the danger end.
Kohli then gets off the strike by taking his second single of the over. Dhawan's bit lazy short misses the stump by an inch or so and he avoids being Morkel's first victim of the day.
Great stroke from Dhawan and he beats the mid on fielder as the ball races towards the boundary.
Over 13: India 49 for 1: Virat Kohli 16 (20), Shikhar Dhawan 33 (52)
Tahir is in his second over. He is bowling his length accordingly. Dhawan tries to find the gap, but mid off dives on his left to stop from taking a run. Dhawan just places it to long off for a single and gets off the strike.
Kohli smashes the ball the ground hard as the ball goes to long on and gets a single. Dhawan places through mid wicket region and a misfield helps him get a couple. 4 runs from the over.
Over 12: India45 for 1: Virat Kohli 15 (19), Shikhar Dhawan 30 (47)
Morkel continues his second over. India need partnership between Kohli and Dhawan in order to post a huge total. Kohli gets off the strike by taking a quick single. Dhawan then flicks towards fine leg for a single.
Kohli tries to just nudge through square leg for double, but a brilliant fielding from South Africa forces Kohli to change his mind. Dhawan then places towards third man and gets a single and Kohli finishes the over with a brilliant drive through deep mid wicket for a boundary.
Over 11: India 37for 1: Virat Kohli 9 (15), Shikhar Dhawan 28 (44)
Imran Tahir is introduced and he replaces Duminy, who had bowled only over over. Kohli drives towards long off for a single. Dhawan tries to slice it towards point and cover, only to be stopped by the fielder at point. Just 1 run from the over.
Over 10: India 36 for 1: Virat Kohli 8 (13), Shikhar Dhawan 28 (40)
Double change in the bowling as Morne Morkel is handed the ball. Dhawan is trying to adjust to Morkel as he is yet to score a run in this over from the first three deliveries he has faced. Morkel pitches is short and wide and then smashes it through point for a boundary. 4 runs from the over.
Over 9: India 32 for 1: Virat Kohli 8 (13), Shikhar Dhawan 24 (34)
Change in the bowling attack and De Villiers introduces JP Duminy into the attack. Dhawan just pushes it to long off for a single. Kohli does the sae and takes another single by nudging towards mid wicket.
Dhawan wanted a quick single, but he was sent back by Kohli. He then finishes the over with a single.
Over 8: India 29 for 1: Virat Kohli 7 (12), Shikhar Dhawan 22 (30)
Philander is continuing in fourth over and he punches towards square cover for a boundary. That is his first boundary of the innings. He then takes a single and gets Dhawan on strike.
Glorious short by Dhawan and this time through the offside as he gets a boundary through extra cover. He then takes a quick single. 10 runs from the over.
Over 7: India 19 for 1: Virat Kohli 2 (10), Shikhar Dhawan 17 (26)
Kohli faces Steyn for the first time as Steyn continues his fourth over. Kohli sends the ball to the third man and take a single off the second ball of the over. Slower delivery from Steyn and Dhawan places it right through extra cover for a boundary.
Dhawan tries to slice one towards point for a boundary, only to be stopped by Faf du Plessis. Five runs from the over.
Over 6: India 14 for 1: Virat Kohli 1 (8), Shikhar Dhawan 13 (22)
Dhawan flicks towards fine leg and gets a single off Philander's first ball of the sixth over. Kohli then nudges to square leg and takes a quick single and that has helped him to get off the mark.
Fine leg was inside the circle and Philander's bouncer forces Dhawan to hook it, only for the fielder to stop the ball from racing to the boundary.
Over 5: India 10 for 1: Virat Kohli 0 (7), Shikhar Dhawan 10 (11)
Steyn is in his third over and he has conceded only four runs from his first two overs. India are going with a similar approach as the one they had for Pakistan. The defending champions are going with the traditional method of not taking risks early in the innings.
Steyn balls a quicker and it comes as a surprise for Dhawan after the ball bounce way more than expected by him. Dhawan was lucky as his pull short just falls short of Parnell at square leg.
Dhawan takes a single after the first four deliveries ends in no run. 1 run off the over.
Over 4: India 9 for 1: Virat Kohli 0 (6), Shikhar Dhawan 9 (12)
Philander is continuing to attack and Kohli is the man to face the right arm fast bowler. He decides to let the ball pass him of the first three deliveries he has faced so far. Four dot balls in this over.
One more ball to go and can Philander bowl a maiden over? Kohli just taps the last ball and it is the second maiden over of the match.
Over 3: India 9 for 1: Shikhar Dhawan 9 (12) , Virat Kohli 0 (0)
Steyn is in for his second over. Dhawan retains the strike and he faces him for the first time. The first two deliveries ends in two dot balls. Dhawan slices in between the point and third man and the ball races to the boundary as the outfield is very quick today at MCG.
There was a mix up between Dhawan and Rohit. The latter was at the non striker's end and he slips while getting to the safe zone. AB de Villiers had one stump to aim at and he manages to hit the stumps eve before Rohit could get back. Virat Kohli is the new man in the middle.
Over 2: India 5 for 0: Shikhar Dhawan 5 (6) , Rohit Sharma 0 (6)
Vernon Philander continues to attack from the other end. Dhawan faces him and the first three deliveries have ended in no run. India are yet to open their scoring. Dhawan flicks through square leg and he gets off the mark with a boundary.
Square leg is dropping back and fine leg in coming in. Dhawan takes a quick single to finish the over with a single.
Over 1: India 0 for 0: Shikhar Dhawan 0 (0) , Rohit Sharma 0 (6)
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will open India's batting attack, while Dale Steyn has been handed the new ball. Steyn is getting the movement and so far no run have been conceded from first five deliveries.
Rohit finishes the over with a dot ball and it is a maiden over. Excellent first over from Steyn.
Dale Steyn is the player to watch in this 2015 ICC World Cup. Read IBTimes UK's piece on the South African pacerman.
MS Dhoni's men will want to break Aussie jinx and retain world champions title. Read India's World Cup profile by clicking here.
TEAM NEWS
India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav
South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (c), JP Duminy, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir
AB de Villiers:
I've played here in the past and I have never played at the MCG with a lot of pace and bounce. It's always been quite slow, which doesn't suit us that well.
The last game we played here against Australia [in November] was one of the slowest wickets I've ever batted on. At night, maybe it skids on a little bit more - but also you get value for your shots a little bit more.
MS Dhoni:
If you have a partnership going, if you have wickets in hand, and if somebody starts to middle the deliveries, it becomes quite hard to contain the batsmen because of the pace of the wicket and also with that extra fielder inside. A lot of times you feel, okay, where to really bowl so we can contain the batsmen.
Ravi Shastri, Indian team director:
This side is not intimidated by anyone. They know their job. They take it one opposition at a time. Yes, concerned about the consistency of the bowling attack. That's the endeavor, to repeat the performance against Pakistan and make it a habit. No tactics for [death bowling].
If you plan it too far ahead, you are going to mess it up. Clarity of thought is the most important thing. South Africa is a good all-round side. On paper, they don't give an inch, and we don't given an inch either. This is one of the great pieces of turf in the world. I told the guys to go out and enjoy themselves. Two weeks from now will be the right time to peak.
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