Melbourne: As India broke a long-standing World Cup jinx against South Africa here on Sunday, appreciation and congratulatory messages poured in from the cricket fraternity which hailed the team’s “terrific” all-round performance in front of a packed MCG.
Riding on another strong batting display powered by Shikhar Dhawan’s strokeful century, India on Sunday crushed South Africa by a massive 130 runs to beat them for the first time in World Cup history.
“Terrific performance team India.First win in a World Cup against South Africa.First time for me in the stands in a WorldCup.Memorable firsts,” batting legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote on his twitter handle.
Former India captain Anil Kumle said, “Great victory for India. Out batted- out bowled and more importantly out fielded the South Africans! Well played Ind!!,”
Yesteryear star spinner Bishan Singh Bedi lauded the team for showing a lot of commitment.
“Gr8 win India!Superb commitment in all departments of Crkt..go & let yur hair down fellas!!But return 2 good earth ASAP..!!God be with U all,” Bedi tweeted.
Defending champions India now appear set for a berth in the quarterfinals after their two comprehensive wins over Pakistan and South Africa which places them on top of Group B.
“Massive win ! well done shero @BCCI ..great team efforts… Maza aa gaya. Celebration time,” said Harbhajan Singh, who was part of India’s World Cup triumph in 2011.
Zaheer Khan, who played a part in India’s victory four years ago, too praised the Men in Blue.
“Great going #TeamIndia ! Superb all round performance ….way to go !!,” the seamer said.
International stars were also not behind when it came to praising the Indian team.
“What an incredible victory for India…the @MCG looked like the place to be! Can’t wait to be back in Aus in a couple weeks…” wrote England’s star batsman Kevin Pietersen. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden said, “Ok steady you all…. Beating SA is not the World Cup!!! Happy #india has own but still have so much to do in this.” (PTI)
