Shikhar Dhawan's ton sets up India for big total against Australia

London: Shikhar Dhawan hit a sparkling century to put India on course for a big total in a key World Cup clash against Australia at the Oval on Sunday.

Dhawan led the Indian charge after captain Virat Kohli won the toss and batted -- a decision he said was a "no-brainer" given the sunny conditions in south London.

The left-handed Dhawan put on 127 runs with opening partner Rohit Sharma as India reached 190 for one in 33 overs.

Kohli was 28 not out following Sharma's dismissal for 57.

Dhawan and Sharma took the attack to the reigning champions' bowlers after a cautious start against the Australia new-ball pair of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

Paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile finally struck in the 23rd over, having Sharma caught behind after the opener recorded his 42nd ODI fifty.

It was a first wicket of the World Cup for Coulter-Nile, who feared he might be dropped after an unsuccessful bowling stint despite a match-winning 92 with the bat in Australia's narrow win over the West Indies last time out.

Dhawan stood firm at the other end, however, to convert just his second fifty-plus score in 10 innings into a hundred with a single of Marcus Stoinis.

He acknowledged his century -- his 17th at this level -- by taking off his helmet and waving his bat to huge cheers from a largely India-supporting crowd.
 

Meanwhile, Kohli, out for 18 in India's opening win against South Africa, was also batting sensibly in a bid to give India's bowlers a large total to defend.

Both teams are looking to stay unbeaten in the 50-over showpiece event with Australia winning their first two games and India triumphant in their tournament opener.

The top four sides from the 10-team round-robin group stage will contest the semi-finals, with the final at Lord's, in northwest London, on July 14.