India crush South Africa by 6 wickets in World Cup opener

Rohit Sharma’s gritty century guided India to kick-start their Cricket World Cup campaign with a six-wicket victory over South Africa in Southampton.

Sharma gave the men in blue the ideal start by finishing unbeaten on 122 off 144 balls.

"I had to play close to my body and try and leave as many balls as possible. It was a small target, but we had to build partnerships as there was always something in it for the bowlers," he said. 

India restricted South Africa to 227-9, with leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal wreaking havoc with four crucial wickets.

South Africa will now need to win all six of their remaining games to make the final four of this World Cup.