Question marks had been raised before the tournament about India's chances of defending their title but they dispelled their critics once again with a ruthless performance with bat and ball.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan struck a magnificent 137 as India posted a commanding total of 307-7 from their 50 overs, before they bowled South Africa out for just 177.

The defeat was the heaviest South Africa had ever suffered at a World Cup, as their bowlers failed to deal with the attacking threat of Dhawan and also Ajinkya Rahane, who hit 79 off 60 balls.

India's victory keeps them on course to qualify for the quarter-finals, and they will all but book their place in the next round if they beat the United Arab Emirates in Perth on Saturday (February 29).

The reigning champions set about their innings with purpose and intent, with Dhawan demonstrating a measured approach throughout on the way to posting what proved to be a decisive score.

Virat Kohli also looked in good touch before he fell for 46, which brought Rahane to the crease as he helped boost India's total to 307-7.

South Africa, who are bidding to win the World Cup for the first time, made a decent start before Faf du Plessis' dismissal for 55 sparked a collapse of seven wickets for 44 runs to give India their second consecutive win after they beat Pakistan in their opener.

In Pool A, Sri Lanka avoided a major upset as they earned a nervy four-wicket win over minnows Afghanistan in Dunedin, thanks largely to veteran Mahela Jayawardene's century.

Mahela Jayawardene dug Sri Lanka out of a hole as he hit 100 in their four-wicket win over minnows Afghanistan ©Getty Images



Afghanistan, making their first-ever appearance at a World Cup, batted for 49.4 overs before they were bowled out for 232, in which Asghar Stanikzai hit a superb 54.

An embarrassing defeat looked on the cards early on in Sri Lanka's reply as they lost both openers to first-ball ducks as Dawlat Zadran removed Lahiru Thirimanne before fellow fast bowler Shapoor Zadran dismissed dangerman Tillakaratne Dilshan.

That left the 1996 World Cup winners in serious trouble but they eventually recovered, reaching their target with 10 balls to spare to claim their first win of the tournament after they suffered a heavy defeat to co-hosts New Zealand on the opening day.

The competition continues tomorrow as England, desperate for a victory after two heavy defeats to New Zealand and Australia, who are the other co-hosts, take on rivals Scotland in Christchurch.

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