India's Win Over South Africa Crucial for World Cup: Shikhar Dhawan

After Shikhar Dhawan's seventh ODI hundred helped India to a historic win over a strong South Africa, the left-handed batsman said the defending champions were nicely set up for the rest of the tournament. India have now won both their matches, having previously crushed Pakistan last Sunday.

Dhawan, who bagged the man-of-the-match award for his 146-ball 137, said it was a great feeling to decimate the mighty Proteas early in the World Cup campaign. "I would say it's a great feeling. This win has definitely set up the tournament for us." (Indian Bowlers Emerge as 'Surprise Heroes' Down Under)

Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli had said before the match that a win against South Africa would lift the morale of the side. India next play minnows United Arab Emirates, West Indies, Ireland and Zimbabwe - teams that are not expected to mount massive challenges for MS Dhoni's men.

Dhawan played the anchor's role to perfection, especially after fellow-opener Rohit Sharma was run out early. His 127-run partnership with Kohli (46) laid the foundation for a big total while a subsequent 125-run stand with Ajinkya Rahane (79) ensured India breached the 300 mark. India have never lost an ODI when Dhawan has scored a hundred and on Sunday, he made sure the record stayed intact, hitting his best limited overs score.

"It was important that the partnerships were going big for my team. That was my plan. We lost the early wicket today, AB (de Villiers) hit a great run out. I just wanted to stay at the wicket and I  respected the good balls," Dhawan said after the match. (Bollywood Cheers Team India on Against South Africa)

India were slow to get off the block and at one point it looked like getting close to 300 would be rather tough. However, with a group of natural stroke-makers in the middle, there were few hiccups as India posted a competitive total. South Africa bowled some good areas early on and kept the explosive duo of Dhawan and Kohli quite before the two exploded in the middle overs. Dhawan, after a terrific day in the office, said the secret to his success was staying relaxed

"When we under pressure, Virat gave us the stability, and Jinky (Rahane) started on a good note, and his strike rate was good so I could relax at the other end," Dhawan said after scoring his maiden World Cup hundred.