South Africa vs. India: Winners and Losers from Cricket World Cup Match

South Africa were completely outplayed by World Cup holders India in Melbourne on Sunday. South Africa’s star batsmen all failed and they had to contend with an injury to Vernon Philander.

A brilliant hundred from Shikhar Dhawan led India to an impressive 130-run win on a day where everything seemed to go wrong for South Africa. We’ve picked some of the winners and losers from the day. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments.

All quotes and information obtained first hand.

Winners: India’s Top Order

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Barring Rohit Sharma, India’s top order put in a solid effort. South Africa’s bowling up front certainly wasn’t poor and they managed to keep the pressure on. But India did not budge under the barrage of short balls and Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane took full advantage of playing themselves in toward the latter part of the innings.  

Dhawan was the rock of it all, combining for century partnerships with both Virat Kohli and Rahane, showing that he can both attack and anchor, depending on the situation.

After a solid effort against Pakistan in their opening match, this Indian team is quickly showing that when push comes to shove, they are one of the toughest teams to beat in the one-day format.

Winner: India’s Bowling and Fielding

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It’s not often where it can be said that a team out-bowled South Africa, but that certainly was the case on Sunday.

Only Umesh Yadav had an economy rate over 4.44 and the pressure exerted by the bowlers forced South Africa into mistakes.

That, combined with superb efforts in the field, made India look like a different team to the one which was hammered in the tri-series between them, England and Australia just a few weeks ago

Loser: Wayne Parnell

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Wayne Parnell was brought in to replace Farhaan Behardien and help bolster the bowling. That left the batting quite weak, but it also meant that Parnell had to spark. A dropped catch in his second over and a no-ball that wasn’t seemed to disintegrate his radar.  

As a left-arm bowler with some real pace, Parnell does add value to the team when he is on form. His consistency and, in some cases lack of confidence, can and has cost South Africa in the past.

Vernon Philander picked up an injury, but the extent of it is not yet known. If there is any chance of him recovering later on in the tournament, it’s unlikely that South Africa will usher in a replacement from outside. That means Parnell could very well have a chance to redeem himself when South Africa take on West Indies on Friday.

Loser: South Africa’s Balance

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The No. 7 for spot for South Africa has been a contentious point since before the World Cup even started.  There is no genuine all-rounder in the squad which means that whoever plays at seven weakens the line-up in some way.

That weakness was exposed drastically on Sunday and it’s something they’ll have trouble fixing with the current squad.

Loser: South Africa’s Overall Approach

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South Africa seemed quite stilted in their approach on Sunday. They struggled to get through their overs and were subsequently fined for a slow over rate.

They also seemed to struggle under the pressure of a stifled run-rate. Poor running between the wickets, poor shot selection and dodgy fielding cost South Africa dearly. If anything, this should serve as the prefect wake-up call on their shortcomings.