Champions Trophy: India bowl Proteas out for paltry 191

While chasing a moderate target, India lost in-form Rohit Sharma early but then Shikhar Dhawan along with Captain Virat Kohli established a 128-run partnership for second wicket before the former got out for 78.

Pakistan beat world number one South Africa in a rain interrupted match. Yuvraj Singh joined Virat and thy both steered India to a comfortable victory in 38 overs without losing any further wickets.

Surprising defeats in their last outings meant this heavyweight match, instead of deciding first and second in Group B as predicted, would eliminate top-ranked South Africa or defending champion India in the first round.

The prize for Monday’s winners will be a semi-final spot, nearly certainly against England on Wednesday at the same venue rather than facing Bangladesh at Edgbaston 24 hours later. The two teams will square off in a mouth-watering battle at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Monday.

It was a needless mistake indicative of South Africa’s malaise and Faf du Plessis was next to perish, for 36, after failing to read Pandya’s slower ball.

For Sri Lanka, the bad news is Kusal Perera will be out of action.

The pair put on 128 for the second wicket before Dhawan was caught, but the damage had always been done to South Africa’s hopes.

Amla made the most of his latest let-off and cracked a six off Pandya to finally start pushing South Africa forward.

De Kock grinded onto an efficient if unspectacular half century before Jadeja hit the opener’s off stump. To what should be grabbing the nationwide attention, the South African-Ind faceoff, contrary to it happened, the recent quarrel between the captain Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble has dominated the headlines.From South Africa, Faf du Plessis is going to give flawless hit to Indian Cricket team.

A chaotic batting display from the South Africans, who entered the tournament as the top ranked One-Day International side in the world, saw them end up on 191 all out.

David Miller came in and faced three balls when he was run out in a comical mix-up. “There is more than enough talent, and we have just got to get it right when it matters most”, an optimistic De Villiers said. At six wickets down South African’s cautious start was coming back to haunt them and they again returned to survival mode – but with little success.

Andile Phehlukwayo was trapped LBW on four by Bumrah in the 41st over. Kumar got in the act with two dismissals in as many balls after he caught the edges of Kagiso Rabada [5] and Morne Morkel [0].

South Africa have a settled line-up and are expected to go in unchanged.

Total: 141 dot balls (23.3 overs).

The stakes are high for today’s league match between India and South Africa with both teams facing a must win situation to qualify for the semi-finals.

“And the next game, like it was a totally different team effort”.

Dhawan crunched Morris over mid-on for his eighth four to reach his 50 and the left-hander played some brutal strokes before he skied Tahir to Du Plessis at long-off.