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India Beats Pakistan, South Africa Holds Off Zimbabwe At Cricket World Cup


Defending champions India has launched its Cricket World Cup campaign with a convincing win over Pakistan in their opening pool game.

The men in blue set their arch-rivals a stiff target of 300, thanks in part to 107 from Virat Kohli, who became the first batsman from the subcontinent to score a century against Pakistan in a World Cup match.

Pakistan responded steadily before a middle-order bowling blitz saw it lose three wickets in two overs, and Pakistan was eventually all out for 224.

Pakistan has now failed to beat its neighbors in a World Cup game in six attempts since the tournament began in 1975.

In the other Pool B game on February 15, South Africa recovered from a shaky start against Zimbabwe to win their pool match by 62 runs.

Batting first, the Proteas looked to be in trouble at 83 for four before a record fifth-wicket stand by David Miller (138 not out) and JP Duminy (115 not out) saw them eventually post a score of 339.

For a while, a shock seemed to be in the cards with Zimbabwe on 214 for three before a batting collapse in the final 15 overs dashed their hopes of victory and they were bowled out for 277.

In the first round of pool games on February 14, New Zealand enjoyed a resounding 98-run victory over Sri Lanka while the Black Caps' tournament co-hosts, Australia, thrashed England by 111 runs.

Based on reporting by Reuters, The Guardian, and the BBC

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