It was a very good performance: MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni

Adelaide, February 15 (IANS)

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni praised his team for producing a commendable performance as the defending champions began their World Cup title defence in style, beating traditional rivals Pakistan by 76 runs in their group stage opener here on Sunday.

India posted 300 for seven, courtesy superb knocks from vice-captain Virat Kohli (107), opener Shikhar Dhawan (73) and middle-order batsman Suresh Raina (74) before bowling out Pakistan for 224 in 47 overs.

Dhoni expressed happiness at the batting effort of his team.

“It was a very good performance, I was very happy with our batting. When you are batting first, it is not easy over here. It doesn't come on that nicely. It has a bit of a variable pace initially but gets comfortable after that,” Dhoni said at the post-match award presentation ceremony.

“It was important we stayed in the middle. Their was a big partnership between Virat and Shikhar and then Raina capitalised as well.”

Dhoni also acknowledged the support from the fans and said their support 'helped' the team get into the groove for the match.

“The World Cup itself can get you going. Also the fans. Even before we came here, there were a lot of fans in our lobby, that helped,” added the 33-year-old.

Dhoni scored 18 runs from 13 balls and also held on to three catches behind the stumps.