Shikhar Dhawan was the star of the India vs. South Africa cricket match on Sunday as he slammed a score of 137 off 146, the highest ever against the South African squad in the World Cup, but it may not be enough after a weak finish for the Indian squad.
Dhawan was coming off a 73 against Pakistan when he turned in the dominating batting performance at Melbourne Cricket Ground in his team’s second match of the 2015 ICC World Cup. He helped India reach a score of 307, which the team will now defend.
As NDTV pointed out, Shikhar Dhawan has set the tone for what could be an upset of the favored South African team, one many see as a favorite to win the World Cup.
“Opening India’s batting after his side chose to bat, Dhawan was aggressive from the word go. He lost partner Rohit Sharma to a tragic run-out but it had no effect on Dhawan’s approach to the game. A steady start was soon replaced by a flurry of boundaries as South Africa’s famed pace battery was dispatched with a high degree of disdain.
“Having Virat Kohli (46) for company further bolstered Dhawan’s confidence. The two Delhi players had put on 129 against Pakistan. Against South Africa, it was an encore of sorts as they put on 127 – much to the delight of fans here. While the Indian vice-captain played a reserved innings from one end, Dhawan managed to complete his 13th ODI fifty from 70 balls.”
The amazing performance for Shikhar Dhawan also had the India vs. South Africa match trending on Twitter, with many fans optimistic after his impressive feat.
Hey South Africans, this is Dhawan right now. Try and dislodge him. Good luck, ha ha. pic.twitter.com/U9smpkDoIJ
— Anand Ranganathan (@ARangarajan1972) February 22, 2015
India has won all the matches in which Dhavan has scored 100s Hoping & praying for the same today..! #INDvSA — Vishnu (@PVishnukant) February 22, 2015
#INDvSA THERE IT IS! Shikhar Dhawan brings up his century as India look set for a big finish #IndvSA pic.twitter.com/mfjCpXG4lK
— @Statsman (@DossaAnand) February 22, 2015
India could still have some difficult against South Africa, despite the century from Shikhar Dhawan. After having 3 for 266, India stumbled to the finish that included 4 for 41 of the last six overs. Those who want to follow along the India vs. South Africa cricket match can watch online by clicking here or find scores and stats here.
