Shikhar Dhawan smashed 114 off 94 balls as India overcame a valiant South Africa by 26 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy in Cardiff yesterday.
The left-hander led a batting feast by the Indians, who piled up 331-7 against a depleted attack that took the field without
premier fast bowler Dale Steyn, who was out with a side strain.
South Africa made a brave chase of the daunting target, putting on 305, including a defiant century stand between skipper AB de Villiers and pinch-hitter Robin Peterson for the third wicket.
De Villiers hit 70 off 71 balls, his sixth half-century in eight one-dayers and the fourth in succession. Peterson made a career-best 68.
Ryan McLaren gave India a fright towards the end with an unbeaten 71 off 61 balls, adding 48 for the last wicket with Morne Morkel.
