India lost their way briefly despite a flurry of fours from Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma at the start. They slipped from 23-0 off the first eight balls to 34-3 in 4.3 overs.

Axar, often used as a floater in India's batting line-up this tournament, came in next, trying to be the aggressor. He started by pulling Kagiso Rabada for a four off his first ball and brought up his first six of the innings two overs later, slog-sweeping Aiden Markram over deep mid-wicket.

In the ninth over against Maharaj, who struck twice in his first over to give South Africa an early advantage, Axar brought the slog sweep into effect again. The all-rounder batting then on 19 off 14 dragged the fourth ball, which was angling away, dispatching it over deep mid-wicket.

Kohli, batting then 41 off 35 at the non-striker's end, gave his partner a thumbs up, appreciating his counter-attack.

Axar hit two more sixes before his rescue act was cut short for 47 off 31 balls owing to a runout.

Kohli reached his 50 off his 48th delivery and teed off thereafter, finishing with a 59-ball 76. Shivam Dube (27 off 16) also chipped in to take India to 176-7.

Watch Kohli gives Axar a thumbs up after six

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