India beat South Africa and show strong signs of defending the World cup

Match referee might have mentioned that South Africa is the Home team, while handing over the coin for toss, however MCG turnout of 87000 people convinced every one that India was the Home team. Dhoni called the toss right and Batsmen did their job right, Bowlers defended it right and fielders were outstanding left, centre and right...

Rohit was unlucky to have got run out in the 2nd over, a brilliant piece of run out by De-Villiers. Dhawan and Kohli partnership continued from where they left against Pakistan. At the end of 15 Overs, Indians were 61 and did a good job of giving the 1st 15 overs to the bowlers. South African captain predicted this approach from Indian Batsmen and to upset the rhythm, he introduced Duminy and Imran Tahir within the first hour. Our Batsmen exhibited the calm approach and kept the wickets intact.

Shikhar Dhawan was absolutely brilliant with his choice of shots and once Kohli got out, a right-left formula ensured that Ajinkya Rahane walked in to support Dhawan. Rahane should be complemented for his audacious shot making and brilliant sense of placement. A very romantic innings from him made sure that Dhawan could focus on the big one this time. Rahane came in at a crucial time when the team required him to keep the momentum on and he held most of the strike. Dhawan's 137 has to be one of the best knocks of the World cup History, as it came from an Indian in a world cup in Australian conditions.

The Duo notched a 125 run partnership within span of 16 overs at 7.8 runs per over and set it up for the lower order to take us past 300 yet again. Dhoni's Hat-trick of fours was highlight in last 5 overs, apart from India losing 5 wickets. India posted 307 at the end of 50 overs and South Africans would have felt that it was a chasable score considering their batting line up and more so, as Duminy and Miller scored hundreds in their previous match against Zimbabwe.

Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav, bowled quick, at high 140 Ks and did not allow the Openers off to a flier. De Kock and Amla were not at all timing the ball as the quick ones from our bowlers did not hit the sweet spots of their bat. A very soft dismissal of De Kock getting caught at mid off provided early break through and a double blow, when Mohit Sharma bowled a quick bouncer that made Amla to hook the ball without control to deep fine leg fielder. Most surprising thing for viewers was the fact that Indian bowlers were bowling consistent bouncers to the opposition, but with more pace.

De-Villiers and Faf du plessis looked threatening to build a solid partnership, as they played smart shots to unsettle our spinners. De-Villiers' run out opened the doors for Indians to choke them and get them all out for a paltry 177. The two run outs made by Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav was an exhibition of superb out-fielding by our young fast bowlers. Dhoni was too good with his glove work to make AB De Villiers and Miller shot of their crease.

The Run out of AB De Villiers was a turning point for another reason best known to Ashwin. He could bowl more deliveries to Left hand batsmen and instill pressure on them. Miller was aggressive, but his run out was a waste of wicket. J P Duminy played a reverse sweep to disturb the rhythm of Ashwin, but edged it to Raina in slips. Philander got out to a beautiful off-spinner from the same bowler, getting trapped leg before the wicket. Mohit Sharma picked up 2 crucial wickets and Tail enders was swept by Jadeja and Shami to earn India a comprehensive win over South Africa.

On the one hand, Indian team is truly playing like a champion and has sent a strong message to other teams, that they have to be on top of their game to beat the Indians. On the other hand, Indian team should not look too deep into the tournament at this stage and take the opponents like West Indies, Ireland, Zimbabwe too lightly. Dhoni's calmness would drill down on the players and his attitude of Living in the moment would augur well for the Indian team to top the Pool B at the end of all group matches.

West Indies in current form would play against Indians in Perth. Prior to that, they would meet South Africa, which would be the most important match to look out for in Pool B, in the near future. India would have played UAE and added 2 more points to their tally before their clash with West Indies in Perth. There is a good chance that Ireland might pip Pakistan out of the World cup in first round similar to 2007 world cup. One cannot wait for the Knock out stages to begin already...