England overwhelm South Africa in World Cup opener

Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup - England v South Africa - Kia Oval, London, Britain - May 30, 2019 England's Ben Stokes celebrates after the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

LONDON (Reuters) - England made a confident start to their Cricket World Cup campaign as they crushed South Africa by 104 runs in the opening match of the tournament at The Oval on Thursday.

Ben Stokes top-scored with 89 and Jason Roy, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan also made fifties in the hosts' total of 311 for eight after being sent into bat.

Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup - England v South Africa - Kia Oval, London, Britain - May 30, 2019 England's Ben Stokes celebrates the wicket of South Africa's Imran Tahir with Eoin Morgan Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

South Africa's Quinton de Kock hit 68 and Rassie van der Dussen 50, but England took wickets at regular intervals to ensure the required run rate kept climbing.

Stokes pulled off a spectacular leaping one-handed catch on the boundary to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo and Jofra Archer claimed three wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 207 with more than 10 overs to spare.

Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup - England v South Africa - Kia Oval, London, Britain - May 30, 2019 England's Joe Root celebrates winning the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

(Reprting by Ed Osmond, Editing by Toby Davis)