LONDON, June 7 (Xinhua) -- India made their long awaited debut in this year's Cricket World Cup with a handy 6 wicket win over a faltering South Africa at Southampton's Rose Bowl this Thursday.
An assured century from opener Rohit Sharma saw India easily chase down the South African first innings total of 227. The Mumbai Indians star showed his quality and experience to lead India to their first victory of the tournament.
Attacking leg spinner Yuzvenda Chahal eased through the South African middle order and eventually turned in bowling figures of 4-51. Not for the first time this tournament South Africa's batting order cost them the game and now look all but eliminated from the World Cup after failing to win a single game.
Following the match, India came under criticism from other nations as accusation of the BCCI's unhealthy influence over the ICC reared its ugly head again. Question marks over why India have been given a more favorable schedule and longer training time by starting the tournament almost a week after the other nations have been raised by former internationals, including Indian Sunil Gavaskar.
In addition to the flack received from former players, the Indian wicket keeper M.S. Dhoni has been told by the ICC to change his keeping gloves after an Indian military insignia was spotted on them, breaching ICC rules around wearing political marks on uniforms.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Australia recorded a comfortable 15 run victory over the West Indies, while Pakistan were surprising victors against tournament favorites England, sealing a 14 runs victory over the hosts.
