After a prolonged wait, India faced their opening World Cup match knowing a good performance would achieve two very positive outcomes. Firstly, a win would boost confidence and be the perfect way to kick-start their campaign. Secondly, it would put a dangerous opponent in South Africa one step closer to World Cup 2019 extinction.

India achieved both aims reasonably comfortably against South Africa on Wednesday and in doing so added a couple more positives to their wish list. The bowling was excellent with the lively Jasprit Bumrah leading the way and the wily Yuzvendra Chahal regaining his confidence with a masterful display of leg-spin bowling.