LONDON, May 30: Half-centuries from four batsmen guided England to a challenging 311/8 against South Africa in the World Cup opener at The Oval in London on Thursday. Ben Stokes scored a maximum 89 followed by skipper Eoin Morgan (57), Jason Roy (54) and Joe Root (51). For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi dismissed three England batsmen while Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir took two wickets each.

Earlier, South Africa won the toss and elected to field. England had a disastrous start as Tahir sent back Jonny Bairstow in the first over for a golden duck. Roy and Root then lifted England innings. The duo added 106 runs for the second wicket. After England crossed 100 mark, Phehlukwayo got rid of Roy in the 19th over and then Rabada struck in the next over to dismiss Root (51). Captain Eoin Morgan then took England past 200. After Tahir got rid of Morgan, Stokes powered hosts to 311/8.

 
• england
 
• south_africa
 
• world_cup
 
• cricket