Print this article

Kumble, Tendulkar, Bhajji laud India's win against SA

February 22, 2015 18:26 IST

South Africa's David Miller is run out by India's MS Dhoni (right) as teammate Suresh Raina (left) looks on during their World Cup match. Photograph: Hamish Blair/Reuters

As India broke a long-standing World Cup jinx against South Africa in Melbourne, appreciation and congratulatory messages poured in from the cricket fraternity which hailed the team's "terrific" all-round performance in front of a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground.

- Scorecard

Riding on another strong batting display powered by Shikhar Dhawan's strokeful century, India 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!."

India's Shikhar Dhawan celebrates after scoring a century during the World Cup match against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Former left-arm 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 quarter-finals 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.

Ravindra Jadeja of India celebrates after dismissing Imran Tahir of South Africa to win the match. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

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."