Cardiff : On Thursday, at the Sophia Gardens, in the opening match of the Champions Trophy against South Africa here, , Shikhar Dhawan scored 114 runs off just 94 balls inclusive of 12 fours and a six that pushed the opposition into a corner early in the game.

India posted a healthy 331-7 in the stipulated 50 overs. South Africa began the chase well but two suicidal run-outs and some avoidable strokeplay changed the course of their innings. India packed off South Africa to 305 all out to register a 26-run win in a Group B  clash at the Wales Cardiff Stadium on Thursday.

The wicket played true to how it had been perceived, allowing batsmen to go for their shots in both the innings. However, spinners played a larger role in the game than what had been expected, considering the new ICC rules of allowing teams to take two new balls in an innings.

A great effort also came from allrounder Ravindra Jadeja who seems to be growing in confidence with each game regardless of the format. It is no surprise that Jadeja has been MS Dhonis go-to man of late.

India now head to London to play the West Indies.