India shows itself as a contender with Proteas blitz

MELBOURNE — India announced itself as genuine contenders to defend its World Cup title on Sunday by humbling South Africa’s vaunted pace attack before bowling out the Proteas for an emphatic 130-run victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In front of a heaving crowd of 86,000, opener Shikhar Dhawan struck a sparkling 137 and Ajinkya Rahane an explosive 79 to fire India to a mammoth 307-7 and ensure its opponents would need a record chase at the stadium to win.

India was then outstanding in the field, sharing the wickets and running out two batsmen as South Africa was skittled for 177 with 10 overs to spare, losing its last seven wickets for 44 runs.

It was India’s first win against South Africa at the World Cup after three previous losses.

Though the match may have little consequences for their respective campaigns, India, roared on by a blue-clad, flag-waving army of fans will have reaped a huge confidence boost from downing the highly-fancied South Africans following its emotional opening win over Pakistan.

Melbourne resident Dhawan’s sparkling tonne anchored century-plus partnerships with Virat Kohli (46) and Rahane as AB de Villiers’ men toiled on a steamy day in the field after losing the toss.

In an uncharacteristically clumsy fielding display, the Proteas dropped three catches, including a sharp chance to Hashim Amla at backward point that reprieved Dhawan on 53.

Adding to their Proteas’ pain was an apparent hamstring injury to seamer Vernon Philander who bowled just four overs.

Indians by contrast were positively South Africans in their fielding, with Mohit and India captain and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni combining to run out de Villiers for 30, an important breakthrough to end a 68-run partnership with Faf du Plessis.

Du Plessis was unable to dig in after raising his half-century, miscuing a slog straight to Dhawan at mid-off to be out for 55 and leave his team reeling at 133-4.

JP Duminy (6) and David Miller (22) followed quickly, the latter run out by an excellent throw from Umesh Yadav at square leg. The South African tail then expired quickly.

Ravichandran Ashwin finished with 3-41 to lead the India bowling, with fast bowler Mohammed Shami and medium pacer Mohit grabbing two wickets each.

South Africa’s selectors dropped Farhaan Behardien in favour of Wayne Parnell and the move back-fired with the fast-bowling all-rounder conceding 85 runs from his nine overs.

Parnell would eventually dismiss Dhawan in the 44th over after the 29-year-old skied a pull shot to Amla at long leg, having raised his seventh ODI century.

The faith in Imran Tahir was better-placed, however, with the leg-spinner capturing Kohli’s wicket with a full toss.

Rahane bashed three sixes in a glittering 60-ball knock before being trapped lbw by Steyn with four overs to spare.

Jayawardene century

Of all the 19 One-Day International centuries Mahela Jayawardene has scored, the one he made on Sunday to rescue his side from a potential loss to Afghanistan is arguably the one that could be the most important in his storied career.

Jayawardene’s 115 not out against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup semifinal was on the bigger stage, but his 100 on Sunday kept Sri Lanka’s 2015 tournament chances alive.

Afghanistan was within sight of its fourth victory against a top-tier cricketing nation, but first against any team other than Zimbabwe or Bangladesh when he strode to the crease at University Oval in Dunedin.