World Cup 2019, India vs South Africa – as it happened: Rohit’s ton guides Men in Blue to big win

11:04 pm: Indian captain Virat Kohli – “The wait was very long and then you get a game like this where it was challenging throughout. We might not have had the run-rate, but if you look at how the game went and how the pitch behaved, it was challenging. Hats off to Rohit, and also the guys who batted around him. Jasprit is operating at a different level to be honest. Chahal was outstanding as well. The first win is always important. On the field, we were confident as a group. With the bat, we had to work our way through. That’s where Rohit’s innings was very very special. KL batted really well with him. Then MS showed great composure. Hardik finished well too. He looks in a good head-space.”

10:59 pm: South African captain Faf du Plessis – “I thought India were magnificent on a tough pitch. They bowled really well. Their bowling attack is strong. All bases covered. We clawed back with the bat again. Some great batting by Rohit, a bit of luck, but he did what we didn’t do - saw the innings through. If we had Ngidi, we would have the chance to attack with overcast conditions. Rabada was an absolute champion, he was extremely unlucky, and I have never seen so many balls falling in no-man’s land. Morris was excellent today, bowling with pace and good control and even got 40-odd runs. They were the two stand-out performers for us today. The change-room is hurting. We are making mistakes all the time. Today the mistake was one guy not batting through the innings. To have so many 30s and 40s is not acceptable in a World Cup match.”

Read match report: Rohit Sharma’s ton, Yuzvendra Chahal’s four-for power India to easy win over South Africa

10:54 pm: Player of the Match Rohit Sharma – “There was something for the bowlers right through the match. I couldn’t play my natural game, had to cut down some shots that I love to play. Was focused on building partnerships. It’s every batsman’s responsibility to get the job done. That’s been the hallmark of this team over the past few years. It wasn’t a typical Rohit Sharma innings. I had to play out the overs and get the job done.”

Hardik Pandya gets his third boundary as India reach in 230/4 in 47.3 overs. Rohit Sharma remains not out on 122 off 144, Hardik on 15 off 7. India have started their campaign with a comprehensive victory.

INDIA WIN BY SIX WICKETS!

After 47 overs, India are 223/4 – Rohit 122, Hardik 9

Back-to-back boundaries for Hardik! First a square-cut and then a pull. Sublime ball-striking from the right-hander. India are almost there, they need 5 off 18.

After 46.1 overs, India are 213/4 – Rohit 121

WICKET! Another wicket against the run of play for South Africa. Chris Morris is finally rewarded for his efforts. Dhoni attempts a pull but gets a top-edge, the ball goes high up and Morris takes the catch himself after falling over the stumps. Hardik Pandya is the new man at the crease.

Dhoni c&b Morris 34 (46)

After 46 overs, India are 213/3 – Rohit 121, Dhoni 34

The end to a top spell by Kagiso Rabada. The young pacer gave it his all today but didn’t have any luck. He finishes with figures of 2/39 from his 10 overs. Dhoni survives a couple of close calls with top-edges landing safely in that over. India need 15 off 24.

After 45 overs, India are 208/3 – Rohit 112, Dhoni 28

Shot! An excellent sweep-shot from Rohit Sharma for four. Imran Tahir tosses it up and the Hitman doesn’t miss out. The leg-spinner finishes his spell with figures of 0/58 from 10 overs. India need 20 off 30.

After 44 overs, India are 198/3 – Rohit 112, Dhoni 28

DROPPED! What. A Drop. That was as easy as they come. Rohit mis-times a pull off Rabada, the ball goes straight up, Miller gets under it comfortably but the ball pops right out. He went with reverse-cup for the catch. Rohit rubs salt into the South African wounds by playing a delectable ramp-shot off the next ball for four. India need 30 off 36. Nothing’s going right for the Proteas.

After 43 overs, India are 193/3 – Rohit 107, Dhoni 28

Big over for India! Both Rohit and Dhoni get a boundary each as India widen the gap between runs required and balls left. They now need 35 from 42. Shamsi has had an average day. The left-arm spinner concedes 14 runs in his ninth over.

After 42 overs, India are 179/3 – Rohit 100, Dhoni 21

Just three runs come from Phehlukwayo’s eighth over. India need 49 off 48. Rohit has got to his hundred but he’s unlikely to cut loose. Would want to take the team over the line.

After 41 overs, India are 176/3 – Rohit 100, Dhoni 19

Dhoni survives! He pokes at a wide-ish delivery from Shamsi but Markram can’t hold on to a sharp chance at slip.

HUNDRED FOR ROHIT SHARMA!

The Indian vice-captain takes 128 balls to get there. Shamsi pitches it full and Rohit beats mid-wicket with a flick to pick up a single.

After 40 overs, India are 171/3 – Rohit 97, Dhoni 17

Another quiet over from Chris Morris, just three singles from it. Rohit Sharma is taking his time to get to his hundred. He has been in the nineties for four overs now.

After 39 overs, India are 168/3 – Rohit 97, Dhoni 14

Four runs come from Phehlukwayo’s seventh over. India need 60 from 66. Not a threatening equation at all but the dynamics could change drastically if the South Africans manage to take a couple of quick wickets.

After 38 overs, India are 164/3 – Rohit 95, Dhoni 12

A good over by Chris Morris spoiled off the last ball by a pull for four by Dhoni. The right-arm pacer has impressive figures of 0/23 from 8 overs at the moment. He hasn’t got a wicket to show for his efforts but he’s been the most economical bowler for South Africa.

After 37 overs, India are 158/3 – Rohit 94, Dhoni 7

Four! A boundary after six overs for India. Phehlukwayo returns to the attack and pitches it short, Rohit leans back and pulls it straight over mid-off for four. Super shot that. Just that boundary from the over.

After 36 overs, India are 154/3 – Rohit 90, Dhoni 7

Rohit Sharma is into the nineties! This will be a truly memorable century for the Indian vice-captain. As and when he gets there, of course. The South African attack has little fight left. Easy runs on offer all around.

After 35 overs, India are 150/3 – Rohit 88, Dhoni 5

150 up for India in the 35th over. This has been a professional outing with the bat by the Indians. The target isn’t much and they’re confident in taking their time. Five singles come from Imran Tahir’s ninth over.

After 34 overs, India are 145/3 – Rohit 86, Dhoni 2

Dhoni has played seven dot balls out of nine so far. Left-arm spinner Shamsi comes from over the wicket and cramps the right-hander for space. But India have no reason to hurry at the moment. They need 83 off 96.

After 33 overs, India are 143/3 – Rohit 86, Dhoni 1

Four runs come from Imran Tahir’s eighth over. The veteran leg-spinner has figures of 0/43 at the moment. South Africa needed him to get wickets today.

After 32 overs, India are 139/3 – Rohit 83, Dhoni 0

A wicket-maiden from Rabada! Brilliant effort from the young South African pacer. But it’s probably too little, too late. India need 89 from 108.

After 31.3 overs, India are 139/3 – Rohit 83

WICKET! A breakthrough against the run of play for South Africa! Kagiso Rabada bowls a full delivery, KL Rahul checks his shot and the ball loops to mid-off for a simple catch. Strange dismissal.

There’s a loud cheer at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton as Mahendra Singh Dhoni strides out to the middle.

Rahul c Du Plessis b Rabada 26 (42)

After 31 overs, India are 139/2 – Rohit 83, Rahul 26

Another boundary for Rohit! He slices a tossed-up delivery from Tahir past point for four. Expensive over for South Africa, ten runs come from it. Rohit inches towards a century. He has faced 101 deliveries.

After 30 overs, India are 129/2 – Rohit 74, Rahul 25

Shot! This time Rabada drops it slightly short and Rohit plays his classic short-arm pull for four. This is turning into a memorable knock from India’s vice-captain. He’s looking good for a 23rd ODI ton.

After 29 overs, India are 123/2 – Rohit 69, Rahul 24

Four! Imran Tahir returns to the attack and bowls an expensive over. The leg-spinner drops it short and Rohit Sharma cuts it away for four. This is getting increasingly comfortable for the Indians. Eight runs come from Tahir’s sixth.

After 28 overs, India are 115/2 – Rohit 64, Rahul 21

Rabada bowls at a good pace but the ball has softened up and it has become much easier for the batsmen to negate him. The right-arm fast-bowler gives away just two singles from his sixth over.

After 27 overs, India are 113/2 – Rohit 63, Rahul 20

The fifty partnership! Comes up with a four as Rohit Sharma sweeps Shamsi to a ball that was on the length. And then hits another boundary through third man. Two poor balls from Shamsi that over and you wonder if he is done with his spell.

Time for Rabada at the other end.

After 26 overs, India are 102/2 – Rohit 54, Rahul 18

A boundary off Chris Morris! How about that. KL Rahul swivels at the crease and plays a good pull shot but the fielder at long leg makes a mess of it. 100 comes up for India in that over.

After 25 overs, India are 95/2 – Rohit 53, Rahul 13

A single and a double from Shamsi’s fourth over. The left-arm spinner has figures of 0/18 from 4 overs at the moment. The Indian innings has reached the halfway stage in terms of overs. The two-time champions need 133 runs from 150 balls.

After 24 overs, India are 92/2 – Rohit 50, Rahul 13

A third maiden for Chris Morris, second one in a row. Just a leg-bye off the last ball in that over. This is a brilliant effort from the right-arm pacer.

After 23 overs, India are 91/2 – Rohit 50, Rahul 13

FIFTY for Rohit Sharma! He gets there in 70 balls. The Indian vice-captain has been wonderful today. He was troubled early on by Rabada but has fought hard to anchor the chase. India need him to bat till the end.

After 22 overs, India are 82/2 – Rohit 43, Rahul 11

Maiden over! Chris Morris returns to the attack and bowls his second maiden. The right-arm pacer has done well so far. He has figures of 0/10 from 5 overs at the moment. He even got 42 off 34 earlier on.

After 21 overs, India are 82/2 – Rohit 43, Rahul 11

It’s looking quite comfortable for the Indian batsmen at the moment. South Africa have lost their first two matches and need to take the initiative here. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul easily pick four runs from that Shamsi over.

After 20 overs, India are 78/2 – Rohit 42, Rahul 9

Shot! First boundary for KL Rahul with a delectable straight-drive off an over-pitched delivery by Phehlukwayo. Rohit then follows that up with a classy square-cut for four. Good over for India, 10 runs from it.

After 19 overs, India are 68/2 – Rohit 37, Rahul 4

Shamsi starts off with a decent over, three singles come from it. The left-arm spinner will need to get a wicket here for his team. The Indian batsmen are looking comfortable.

After 18 overs, India are 65/2 – Rohit 35, Rahul 3

Phehlukwayo is in the middle of a fine spell. He has figures of 1/13 from 4 overs at the moment. After impressing with the bat, he’s doing a good job with the ball as well. Time for left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi to join the attack.

After 17 overs, India are 62/2 – Rohit 33, Rahul 2

Four! Much-needed boundary for India as Rohit pulls a short ball from Tahir to the fence. The two-time champions need a partnership here. The Proteas can sense a major opening. Time for a drinks break.

After 16 overs, India are 54/2 – Rohit 27, Rahul 0

A successful over for South Africa as Phehlukwayo gets the big wicket of Kohli and concedes just four runs. KL Rahul has joined Rohit at the crease for India.

After 15.3 overs, India are 54/2 – Rohit 27

WICKET! Phehlukwayo gets his first World Cup wicket and it’s the big one of Virat Kohli. But that wicket was as much De Kock’s for his sensational diving catch. Kohli attempts a half-hearted cut after getting his first boundary with a pull off the previous ball and pays the price. Poor shot.

Kohli c De Kock b Phehlukwayo 18 (34)

After 15 overs, India are 50/1 – Rohit 27, Kohli 14

Much of the same from Tahir’s fourth over. A tight line, varying lengths and three singles. The leg-spinner has figures of 0/13 from 4 overs at the moment.

After 14 overs, India are 47/1 – Rohit 26, Kohli 12

Another decent over from Phehlukwayo, three singles come from it. South Africa need wickets, though. They’re not going to win this match by merely containing the Indian batsmen.

After 13 overs, India are 44/1 – Rohit 25, Kohli 10

Imran Tahir isn’t getting much turn and is trying to deceive the batsmen by varying his lengths. But Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not keen on taking risks and are content with dealing in singles.

After 12 overs, India are 39/1 – Rohit 23, Kohli 7

Rohit Sharma survives! Andile Phehlukwayo joins the attack and wraps Rohit on the pads. The umpire says not out and DRS shows umpire’s call as the ball was only clipping the stumps. That was really close, could’ve gone either way. South Africa retain their review. Three singles come from the right-arm pacer’s first over.

After 11 overs, India are 36/1 – Rohit 22, Kohli 5

Imran Tahir returns to the attack and concedes just two singles in his second over. Faf du Plessis probably wants to test Rohit Sharma with leg-spin. The Indian opener doesn’t have a great record against Tahir and the likes.

After 10 overs, India are 34/1 – Rohit 21, Kohli 4

A better over from Rabada as he keeps a tight line. The right-arm pacer has figures of 1/21 from 5 overs at the moment. That’s the end of the powerplay, a decent one for the South Africans.

After 9 overs, India are 31/1 – Rohit 19, Kohli 3

Chris Morris bowls five dot balls and threatens to deliver a second successive maiden over against Kohli. But the Indian captain clips the last ball past square-leg for two. Smart batting from the right-hander, he’s in no hurry to chase this total down.

After 8 overs, India are 29/1 – Rohit 19, Kohli 1

SIX! Incredible shot from Rohit Sharma. Kagiso Rabada bowls a short one and the right-hander swivels to pull it over fine-leg. He then gets a boundary with a thick outside edge, before cutting it powerfully over the in-field for four. Big over for India, 15 runs from it.

After 7 overs, India are 14/1 – Rohit 5, Kohli 1

Maiden over! Chris Morris is doing well to keep up the pressure from his end. The right-arm pacer manages to bowl six dot deliveries in a row to Virat Kohli. That’s no mean feat. The Indian batsmen are feeling the pressure at the moment.

After 6 overs, India are 14/1 – Rohit 5, Kohli 1

Stunning over from Kagiso Rabada, just a single and the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan from it. The right-arm pacer welcomed Virat Kohli to the crease with a sizzling bouncer. He has figures of 1/3 from 3 overs at the moment.

After 5.1 overs, India are 13/1 – Rohit 5

WICKET! What. A. Ball. Kagiso Rabada finally gets his man with an absolute peach of a delivery. It cut away ever so slightly and took the outside edge of Shikhar Dhawan’s bat.

Now, it’s time for Kohli vs Rabada. The duo have had some heat between them lately. Read about it here. This is going to be epic!

Dhawan c De Kock b Rabada 8 (12)

After 5 overs, India are 13/0 – Dhawan 8, Rohit 5

Another good over from South Africa. Apart from taking a wicket, they haven’t done much wrong till now. The Indian openers are lucky to not have a big target in front of them. They have the luxury of just surviving.

After 4 overs, India are 11/0 – Dhawan 8, Rohit 3

Fire from Kagiso Rabada! The right-arm pacer has broken Shikhar Dhawan’s bat. Yes, he has broken it with a 91 mph thunderbolt. The Indian openers are struggling big-time against this hostile spell by the 24-year-old. Rohit Sharma gets beaten three times in that over. This is absolutely world class from Rabada.

After 3 overs, India are 10/0 – Dhawan 8, Rohit 2

Rohit survives, again! This time, Chris Morris, replacing Imran Tahir, gets one to climb on the right-hander but the edge loops over point. Dhawan then gets the first boundary of the Indian innings with a pull past square-leg. Plenty of drama out in the middle at the moment.

After 2 overs, India are 4/0 – Dhawan 3, Rohit 1

Rohit survives! First, Rabada strikes Dhawan on the glove with one that climbed up more than it should have. The right-arm pacer follows that up with a similar ball to Rohit, who attempts a half-hearted pull but gets hit on the glove. Faf du Plessis runs in from the slip cordon, dives forward but fails to reach it. What a start from Rabada! Just a single from his first over.

After 1 over, India are 3/0 – Dhawan 2, Rohit 1

Good start from Imran Tahir. The veteran leg-spinner finds his length right-away and the Indian openers choose to knock the ball around for a few singles. Kagiso Rabada to take the new ball from the other end.

7:10 pm: We’re ready for India’s innings at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. Virat Kohli and Co need 228 to start their campaign with a win. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are out in the middle, with the latter taking strike first. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir has the new ball in hand for South Africa once again. Interesting tactic. Here we go!

6:45 pm: Here’s how the South African innings progressed today. Join us after a short break for the run chase.

6:43 pm: Jasprit Bumrah: “Early inroads are important and I’m happy I could do it. If there’s seam movement you don’t want to try too hard and want to wait for the batsmen to make mistakes. Shot-making becomes easier as the ball gets older. Hopefully we can chase this down.”

6:39 pm: Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets his second wicket of the over as a top-edge from Imran Tahir is caught safely by Kedar Jadhav at covers.

South Africa finish with 227/9 in 50 overs

After 49.2 overs, South Africa are 224/8 – Rabada 28

WICKET! India finally break the partnership and Bhuvneshwar Kumar has his first wicket. Chris Morris hits a full delivery straight to long-off and Virat Kohli takes his second catch of the match. South Africa added 66 runs for the eighth wicket.

Morris c Kohli b Bhuvneshwar 42 (34)

After 49 overs, South Africa are 224/7 – Morris 42, Rabada 28

Shot! What a glorious stroke from Rabada. Bumrah bowls a low full-toss and the left-hander hits a straight-drive that beats mid-off and runs away for four. That’s the end of Bumrah’s spell. He has been absolutely brilliant today. The right-arm finishes with figures of 2/35 from his 10 overs. Final six deliveries of the South African innings coming up!

After 48 overs, South Africa are 218/7 – Morris 41, Rabada 23

South Africa are doing well here, they manage to pick up nine runs from that Bhuvi over. This is by no means a respectable total but this partnership by Morris and Rabada, both Delhi Capitals players, has ensured their team has something to bowl at.

After 47 overs, South Africa are 209/7 – Morris 38, Rabada 17

Shot! Bumrah pitches it up and Morris drives it between covers and mid-off for four. The most expensive over for Bumrah so far, nine runs come from it. The 50-run partnership between Morris and Rabada comes up in 46 balls. Impressive fight back from the duo.

After 46 overs, South Africa are 200/7 – Morris 33, Rabada 13

200 up for South Africa in the 46th over. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowls two wides and gives away eight runs in his eighth over. Chris Morris survives after a mis-timed shot falls short of long-on.

After 45 overs, South Africa are 192/7 – Morris 29, Rabada 12

Virat Kohli brings Jasprit Bumrah back into the attack and the pacer concedes just two singles in his eighth over. He has stunning figures of 2/20 from 8 overs at the moment.

After 44 overs, South Africa are 190/7 – Morris 28, Rabada 12

SIX! A second half-tracker in as many overs from Chahal. And once again, Morris pulls it all the way. The leg-spinner has had an outstanding day, though. A strong contender for player of the match. He finishes with figures of 4/51 from his 10 overs.

After 43 overs, South Africa are 182/7 – Morris 21, Rabada 11

Hardik Pandya returns to the attack and forces a top-edge from Rabada but the ball lands safely. But the left-hander connects off the final ball and gets a boundary on the leg side. Nine runs come from the right-arm medium-pacer’s sixth over.

After 42 overs, South Africa are 173/7 – Morris 19, Rabada 4

SIX! Rare lose delivery from Chahal. The leg-spinner drops it way short and Morris pulls it away for a maximum. Decent over for South Africa, seven runs come from it.

After 41 overs, South Africa are 164/7 – Morris 11, Rabada 3

That’s the end of Kuldeep Yadav’s spell for the day. He finishes with figures of 1/46 from his 10 overs. He didn’t get many wickets but did well to build pressure from his end. Confidence-boosting outing for the left-arm spinner.

After 40 overs, South Africa are 161/7 – Morris 11, Rabada 1

Kagiso Rabada has joined Chris Morris at the crease for South Africa. A wicket and four runs come from Yuzvendra Chahal’s eighth over. He’s in for a memorable fifer.

After 39.3 overs, South Africa are 158/7 – Morris 9

WICKET! Phehlukwayo steps out and gets beaten, Dhoni fumbles the ball a bit but dislodges the bails in time. Chahal gets his fourth wicket. This has been a top performance from him.

Phehlukwayo st Dhoni b Chahal 34 (61)

After 39 overs, South Africa are 157/6 – Phehlukwayo 34, Morris 8

SIX! The first maximum of the day and it comes from Phehlukwayo’s bat. Kuldeep gives it generous flight and the ball lands right in the zone. The left-hander clears his front leg and slogs it for a huge six. The South Africans need more of this. 11 runs come from Kuldeep’s ninth over.

After 38 overs, South Africa are 146/6 – Phehlukwayo 26, Morris 5

Chahal struggles a bit with his line in that over and gives away two wides. The South Africans will need to start attacking soon. Their score isn’t really going anyway. The Indian bowlers aren’t under any sort of pressure.

After 37 overs, South Africa are 140/6 – Phehlukwayo 23, Morris 4

Kuldeep does well to keep building pressure from one end. The left-arm spinner gives away just two singles in his eighth over. He has figures of 1/32 from 8 overs at the moment.

After 36 overs, South Africa are 138/6 – Phehlukwayo 22, Morris 3

Chris Morris is the new man at the crease for South Africa. The Proteas need to rebuild yet again. Not a lot of batting to come after this. A wicket and four runs from Chahal’s sixth over.

After 35.3 overs, South Africa are 135/6 – Phehlukwayo 21

WICKET! The breakthrough India were looking for. Chahal tosses it up and Miller hits it straight back to him for a simple catch. That was a soft dismissal. The 46-run partnership for the sixth wicket has been broken. Chahal has his third.

“Story of the South African batsmen so far in the tournament. Just when you think they’ll get going, they throw it away,” says former captain Graeme Smith in commentary.

Miller c&b Chahal 31 (40)

After 35 overs, South Africa are 134/5 – Miller 31, Phehlukwayo 21

Another good over from Bhuvi, just two singles from it. The South Africans are going to have to start attacking a bit at some point. No point just surviving.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have won the toss against Bangladesh and have elected to field first. Follow live updates of that match HERE.

After 34 overs, South Africa are 132/5 – Miller 30, Phehlukwayo 20

Shot! One of the best strokes from the South Africans today and it comes from Phehlukwayo’s bat. He steps down the crease to Kedar and drives it powerfully over covers for four. Just the 10th boundary of the Proteas innings. Five runs come from Kedar’s fourth over.

After 33 overs, South Africa are 127/5 – Miller 29, Phehlukwayo 16

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the attack and concedes three singles in his sixth over. The South Africans haven’t looked to attack in these middle overs. It’s going to be a struggle for them to get to the 200-run mark. The Indian bowlers are not letting up. David Miller holds the key for the Proteas.

After 32 overs, South Africa are 124/5 – Miller 27, Phehlukwayo 15

Taking a cue from Bumrah, Jadhav also mixes it up. He takes the pace off the ball and the batsmen are on the defensive again. Just a single from the over and drinks are called. Just to put the pressure South Africa are under in perspective, they scored just four in the last three overs.

After 31 overs, South Africa are 123/5 – Miller 26, Phehlukwayo 15

Maiden over from Bumrah. The pacer keeps mixing it up. He started by hitting a back of a length and also used the short ball to good effect. Sensational stuff from Bumrah. There is no respite for the South Africans.

After 30 overs, South Africa are 123/5 – Miller 26, Phehlukwayo 15

You won’t believe what just happened. Sourav Ganguly in commentary says Kedar Yadav as he always does. But then he does something unbelievable. He actually corrects himself and says “sorry, Kedar Jadhav”. That has NEVER happened before. Good stuff, Dada. Now if the legend could just once say Shikhar Dhawan and not ‘Shekhar’ Dhawan. Hehe.

After 29 overs, South Africa are 118/5 – Miller 23, Phehlukwayo 13

Jasprit Bumrah returns to the attack and draws a leading edge from Miller off the first ball. The left-hander then survives a close run-out call after some good work from Kohli at covers. He finally plays a wonderful flick past mid-wicket for four. A boundary for South Africa after five overs. Six runs come from Bumrah’s sixth over.

After 28 overs, South Africa are 112/5 – Miller 18, Phehlukwayo 12

Kedar Jadhav is introduced to the attack. The part-time off-spinner does his thing with the slinging arm and concedes five runs in his first over. Hard to get used to that action.

After 27 overs, South Africa are 107/5 – Miller 61, Phehlukwayo 9

Wonderful flight from Kuldeep. Draws Phehlukwayo forward and then beats the left-hander’s outside edge with sharp turn. Just two singles come from his seventh over. Typically slow middle-overs period at the moment in Southampton.

After 26 overs, South Africa are 105/5 – Miller 15, Phehlukwayo 8

Another good over from Chahal, just the two singles from it. The leg-spinner has figures of 2/20 from 5 overs at the moment. He’s using his variations well.

After 25 overs, South Africa are 103/5 – Miller 14, Phehlukwayo 7

Hundred up for South Africa in the 25th over. They’re a long way from posting a challenging total, though. They have Chris Morris coming in next but this partnership is crucial. Chahal and Kuldeep have found good rhythm.

After 24 overs, South Africa are 98/5 – Miller 11, Phehlukwayo 5

A decent over for the Proteas, nine runs come from it. Chahal is bowling an attacking line and length.

After 23 overs, South Africa are 89/5 – Miller 6

WICKET! South Africa have lost half their side! This time it’s Kuldeep Yadav who gets the wicket. JP Duminy goes back to a well-flighted delivery and pays the price for it. The ball crashes into his pad, the umpire raises his finger and DRS shows three reds. Review wasted as well. The Proteas are in deep, deep trouble. Andile Phehlukwayo is the new man at the crease.

JP Duminy lbw Kuldeep Yadav 3 (11)

After 22 overs, South Africa are 88/4 – Miller 6, Duminy 3

Yuzvendra Chahal is in the middle of a top spell here. The leg-spinner is getting wonderful drift and turn. He has figures of 2/9 from 3 overs at the moment. Challenging circumstances for David Miller and JP Duminy.

After 21 overs, South Africa are 85/4 – Miller 4, Duminy 2

Five singles come from Kuldeep Yadav’s fourth over. The left-arm spinner has figures of 0/22 at the moment. ‘KulCha’ bowling well in tandem here!

After 20 overs, South Africa are 80/4 – Miller 1

WICKET! What. A. Ball. Yuzvendra Chahal, you beauty! The leg-spinner bowls the perfect googly and Faf du Plessis is clean bowled. What a sensational over this was for India, two wickets and just two runs from it. India are well on top! JP Duminy joins David Miller at the crease for South Africa. Two left-handers out in the middle for the Proteas.

Faf du Plessis b Yuzvendra Chahal 38 (54)

After 19.1 overs, South Africa are 78/3 – Du Plessis 33

WICKET! Oh no! Rassie van der Dussen, what have you done?! Just when the partnership was starting to look really threatening, the right-hander throws it away. He attempts a reverse-sweep and is beaten all ends up. He had played this shot successfully against England but had no control this time.

Rassie van der Dussen b Yuzvendra Chahal 22 (37)

After 19 overs, South Africa are 78/2 – Du Plessis 38, Dussen 22

Better from Hardik. He hasn’t looked too threatening so far but is trying hard to keep a tight line. Three singles come from his fifth over.

After 18 overs, South Africa are 75/2 – Du Plessis 37, Dussen 20

Yuzvendra Chahal comes on to have a bowl. The leg-spinner concedes three runs off the first ball and a single off the last. A hint of turn in his first over. The 50-run partnership between Faf du Plessis comes up off 70 deliveries. This has been an impressive stand so far from the two right-handers.

After 17 overs, South Africa are 71/2 – Du Plessis 34, Dussen 19

Another good over for South Africa, six runs come from it. Hardik Pandya sticking to his natural length – short. Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen have added 47 runs for the third wicket.

After 16 overs, South Africa are 65/2 – Du Plessis 33, Dussen 15

Poor work from Bhuvi at the boundary. Faf finally connects a sweep and the pacer makes a meal of it at the boundary. Kuldeep is not at all impressed. Good over for South Africa, nine runs come from it. And it’s time for the first drinks break of the match.

After 15 overs, South Africa are 56/2 – Du Plessis 26, Dussen 13

Four! Yet another edge flies away to the boundary. There have been plenty of those today. Hardik does well to induce a false shot from Faf. He’s operating around the 135 kmph mark. He follows that up with a sharp bouncer and a hard stare at Dussen. Good stuff.

After 14 overs, South Africa are 48/2 – Du Plessis 19, Dussen 12

An outside edge that falls just short of Rohit at second slip, followed by two missed sweep-shots. Kuldeep troubles Faf in his second over but drops the last ball short and Dussen cuts it for four. An eventful over that.

After 13 overs, South Africa are 43/2 – Du Plessis 18, Dussen 8

Ouch! Hardik gets one to shoot up and it strikes Du Plessis on his right hand, the bat goes flying out. The physio runs out with the magic spray. Surprising for the pitch to have such odd bounce. But Faf seems all right. Three runs come from Hardik’s second over.

After 12 overs, South Africa are 40/2 – Du Plessis 15, Dussen 8

Decent start from Kuldeep Yadav. He gets a hint of turn but the South Africans manage to pick three singles. The left-arm spinner is entering the tournament under a bit of pressure after having a poor IPL season. India need him at his best in England.

After 11 overs, South Africa are 37/2 – Du Plessis 13, Dussen 7

Good start from Hardik Pandya, he manages to keep a right line. India’s bowlers have come out with a plan to not offer any width to the South African batsmen. They’ve done a good job so far. Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen seem content in biding their time. First over of spin coming up, Kuldeep Yadav is joining the attack now.

After 10 overs, South Africa are 34/2 – Du Plessis 11, Dussen 6

That’s the end of the powerplay. The first ten overs of this match have been dominated by India. South Africa have lost both openers. Captain Faf du Plessis hasn’t scored a run in the last three overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have done their job. Time for Hardik Pandya to join the attack.

After 9 overs, South Africa are 32/2 – Du Plessis 11, Dussen 4

Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t got a wicket yet but he has done well to keep up the pressure from his end. Just a single comes from his fifth over. He has figures of 0/20 from 5 overs at the moment.

3.42 pm: We had asked our readers to select India’s XI for this match against South Africa. This was how the voting went. The popular choice was for all three seamers to play with the two wrist-spinners.

After 8 overs, South Africa are 31/2 – Du Plessis 11, Dussen 3

Another top, top over from Bumrah, just a single from it. He hasn’t missed his mark so far. The right-arm pacer has figures of 2/11 from 4 overs at the moment.

After 7 overs, South Africa are 30/2 – Du Plessis 11, Dussen 2

Four! Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowls five tight balls but in strays in line at the end. Faf du Plessis stays still and flicks it past mid-wicket for four. A rare lose delivery from India. The South Africans are having to earn each run at the moment.

After 6 overs, South Africa are 26/2 – Du Plessis 7, Dussen 2

Rassie van der Dussen is the new man at the crease for South Africa. The Proteas need a partnership here. India can sense the kill.

After 5.5 overs, South Africa are 24/2 – Du Plessis 7

WICKET! This is sensational stuff from Bumrah! He angles the ball away from De Kock and the left-hander flashes at it. The ball takes a thick outside edge and Kohli takes a sharp catch at third slip. India is well on top here. What a start from boom boom Bumrah!

De Kock c Kohli b Bumrah 10 (17)

After 5 overs, South Africa are 22/1 – De Kock 9. Du Plessis 6

Four! Bhuvi squares De Kock up and the edge flies past the slip cordon for four. The right-arm pacer gets another edge, this time Faf pokes at it and the ball falls inches short of Rohit at second slip. India’s new-ball bowlers are on the money, it’s going to be a tough road ahead for the Proteas batsmen.

After 4 overs, South Africa are 15/1 – De Kock 4, Du Plessis 4

Captain Faf du Plessis is the new man at the crease for South Africa. The right-hander gets off the mark with an inside edge for four. Bumrah is pumped up, though. He gets Faf’s outside edge two balls later but the ball doesn’t carry to the slips. There’s plenty of assistance for the pacers right now.

After 3.2 overs, South Africa are 11/1 – De Kock 4

WICKET! Bumrah angles it in and the ball straightens at the end. Amla gives the outside edge and Rohit takes a fine, low catch at second slip. Just the start India wanted. Amla was an important wicket for the South Africans. Bumrah is off to a cracking start!

Amla c Rohit b Bumrah 6 (9)

After 3 overs, South Africa are 10/0 – Amla 6, De Kock 4

Shot! Bhuvi offers slight width and Amla drives it on-the-rise through covers for four. Not much foot movement there. A decent over for South Africa, six runs come from it.

After 2 overs, South Africa are 4/0 – Amla 1, De Kock 3

De Kock survives! The left-hander clips it to fine-leg and sets off for two. Kedar gets the ball back quickly but Dhoni fails to hit the stumps with his throw from close range. De Kock put in a dive but he was well short. A superb start from Bumrah in his first World Cup match. The right-arm pacer beats the left-handed De Kock’s outside edge three times from over the wicket.

After 1 over, South Africa are 2/0 – Amla 1, De Kock 1

A hint of movement both ways for Bhuvi first up. The conditions are still a bit cloudy in Southampton. But a good start for India, just the two singles come from the first over. Tight line and length from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Jasprit Bumrah to start proceedings from the other end.

2:59 pm: Right, all the formalities are done and we’re ready for cricket!

India’s fielders have taken their positions, so have the umpires. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the new ball in hand.

Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla are opening the batting for South Africa, with the latter taking strike first.

This promises to be a cracker. India’s quest for a third ICC World Cup title begins now. Here we go!

2:54 pm: We’re minutes away from live action in Southampton!

The teams have taken the field. It’s time for the national anthems. First up, it’s India.

2.51 pm:

• Since the 2017 Champions Trophy final defeat, Kuldeep Yadav has taken 87 wickets for India: in the last two years, no one comes close to him in that list. The second best? Yuzvendra Chahal with 66. Jasprit Bumrah is fifth on that list.

2.47 pm: Team news

India playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), KL Rahul, MS Dhoni (w), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

South African playing XI: Quinton de Kock (w), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Jean-Paul Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi.

2.42 pm: His batting prowess peerless, captain Virat Kohli seeks immortality

Ten thousand-plus runs in quick time. A staggering ODI average of 59.57. 41 hundreds, within touching distance of Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record. 25 centuries in run-chases. Walking out to bat, with the weight of these accomplishments behind him, he’s the batsman everyone would want to have on their side.

But, as Rahul Dravid, once said, “In Indian cricket, captains tend to be judged by their World Cup performances. The various good results before or after that don’t matter much.”

This, right here, is the real test for Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

Read more by Chetan Narula from England.

2.40 pm: A confirmation of India’s playing XI. Happy with the choices?

2.37 pm: India have picked both Kuldeep and Chahal, as Kohli talks about the impact the two had in the series in South Africa. Kedar is playing too. Full team news up next.

2.36 pm:

South African captain Faf du Plessis: Amla is back, Morris is still playing, and we’re bringing in an extra spinner. We didn’t have the ideal start, but we need to keep going. We need to win 6 games to get to the semis.

2.32 pm: South Africa have won the toss and will bat first.

2.29 pm: A look at the head-to-head. South Africa enjoy the historical edge but India have had the much better results recently, including a massive series win in the rainbow nation.

2.27 pm: There was rain yesterday in Southampton that forced the optional practice session to be cancelled but the skies look great today. Hopefully a full game today.

2.24 pm: India managed to end a long wait for a win against South Africa at the World Cup in 2015.

2.20 pm: Of the few concerns surrounding a settled Indian team ahead of their World Cup opener is the form of Kuldeep Yadav. Considered to be India’s biggest wicket-taking weapon, going by the numbers of the last couple of years, the wrist-spinnner’s lack of confidence was a worry.

But the Indian captain Kohli lent his weight behind under-fire Kuldeep ahead of their World Cup opener against South Africa on Wednesday.

Read more about what he had to say here.

2.14 pm: Like we can see in the photo below, the pitch looks like a good batting track. Shaun Pollock says there is a good grass covering, but its white grass, not the type that would aid seam bowling. There are a few grassy patches and some bare patches. He reckons it could be a two-paced surface. The ball might stop and misbehave a little bit.

2.11 pm: A first look at the pitch.

2.07 pm: Ahead of India’s 12th campaign, we take a look at the colourful history of the two-time world champions.

From underdog champions in 1983 to having to forfeit a semi-final at home because of rowdy crowd in 1996, from the crushing final loss in 2003 to becoming the first team to lift the trophy at home in 2011, there is no shortage of drama whenever India play at the marquee event.

In between 1983 and 2011, India has seen the best of World Cup cricket, especially when a certain Sachin Tendulkar played, and the worst of losses that actually prompted the entire World Cup format to change. The team has reached the semi-finals thrice (1987, 1996 and 2015) and have been knocked out in the Group stage four times (1975, 1979, 1992 and 2007), to go with the two titles.

Read more here.

2.05 pm: It’s here, folks. India’s first match of the World Cup 2019. How excited are you?Incidentally, it is South Africa’s third match, having lost to England and to Bangladesh.

India team preview: Virat Kohli will begin his important assignment as captain of the Indian cricket team when he and his men face a depleted South Africa in their ICC World Cup 2019 opener on Wednesday. Two years of investment has gone into building a potent ODI squad, something that started right after the 2017 Champions Trophy final loss. Read more