Cricket World Cup 2019: Ben Stokes leads England to victory over South Africa in tournament opener

Ben Stokes has starred for England as the hosts kicked off the 2019 Cricket World Cup with a 104-run win over South Africa.

Stokes made an impact with the bat, ball and out on the field in a man of the match performance at The Oval in London.

The highlight of the match was his freakish one-handed catch to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo during South Africa's chase. 

Phehlukwayo looked to have hit Adil Rashid's ball for six before Stokes launched himself at the ball and caught it at full stretch with one hand.

One commentator labelled the catch "the greatest of all time".

Earlier, Stokes scored a game-high 89 off 79 balls to help England reach 311/8 from their 50 overs.

Jason Roy, Joe Root and captain Eoin Morgan also chipped in with half-centuries. 

Ben Stokes celebrates with his teammates.
Ben Stokes celebrates with his teammates. Photo credit: AAP

After an impresive knock with the bat, Stokes then went 2/12 with the ball as as South Africa were bowled out for 207 in 39.5 overs in their chase. 

Young England star Jofra Archer finished the match with 3/27.

England next plays Pakistan on Monday. South Africa remains at the Oval to meet Bangladesh on Sunday.

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