September 19, 2026 04:09 am (IST)
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Shikhar's century help India post 307 -7 against SA
Melbourne, Feb 22 (IBNS): Riding on a sensational knock by opener Shikhar Dhawan and a sensible innings by Ajinkya Rahane, India posted a competitive 307 runs for the loss of seven wickets against South Africa in a group stage match of the World Cup here on Sunday.
India made a poor start as they lost the wicket of Rohit Sharma (0) with just nine runs on the scoreboard.
A miscommunication with Dhawan resulted in Sharma's run out, putting pressure on the Indian batting line-up.
Virat Kohli, who had hammered a century against Pakistan last Sunday, contributed 46 runs, as he joined Dhawan to add 127 runs in the second wicket partnership.
Both played sensibly to bring back India into the match. Kohli smashed three boundaries in his knock.
South Africa destroyed the partnership with Wayne Parnell taking Kohli's wicket in the 28th over. Parnell gave away 85 runs but took the crucial wicket of Kohli.
After the Indian Test skipper departed, Ajinkya Rahane joined Dhawan to added 125 runs in the third wicket partnership which helped India slowly cruise towards the 300 runs mark.
Rahane hit seven boundaries and three sixes in his 60-ball 79 runs knock.
Dhawan kept playing his natural shots all around the park and posted his first century in the World Cup. This was his second century against South Africa.
In his 137 runs innings, the opener hit 16 boundaries and to sixes.
In a bid to score runs fast, India lost some quick wickets at the end. MS Dhoni played a quick-fire knock of 11-ball 18, hammering three boundaries, to help his side reach the 300 runs mark.
Suresh Raina (6) and Ravindra Jadeja (2) failed to contribute with their willows in the match.
R Ashwin (5*) and Mohammed Shami (4*) remained not out till the end as India posted 307 runs on the scoreboard.
Morne Morkel picked up two wickets for South Africa.
MS Dhoni earlier won the toss and elected to bat first.
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