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'Absolute scenes': World Cup opens with never-before-seen moment

The 2019 Cricket World Cup opener between England and South Africa at The Oval started off with an incredible tactic which left fans stunned.

South Africa won the toss and elected to field against the host nation but in a World Cup first, leg spinner Imram Tahir bowled the first over of the tournament.

Imram Tahir took the first wicket of the World Cup. (Getty Images)
Imram Tahir took the first wicket of the World Cup. (Getty Images)

And in a brilliant start for South Africa, Tahir dismissed England opener Jonny Bairstow with the second ball of the World Cup.

He conceded a single to Jason Roy with the first ball and then had Bairstow caught behind off a faint edge the very next ball as World Cup favourite England slipped to 1-1.

Jonny Bairstow of England is caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock of South Africa during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England and South Africa at The Oval on May 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Andy Kearns/Getty Images)
Jonny Bairstow of England is caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock of South Africa during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England and South Africa at The Oval on May 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Andy Kearns/Getty Images)

The commentators called it “tactical brilliance” from Faf Du Plessis to start with a spinner against Bairstow.

Tahir also becomes the first spinner to bowl the opening over of a World Cup.