AB de Villiers thinks Zimbabwe could upset better-fancied sides at this World Cup

South Africa captain AB de Villiers said he was delighted with his team after they got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 62-run victory over Zimbabwe in Hamilton.

De Villiers also said he was impressed by the Zimbabweans and thinks they could cause an upset or two as the tournament progresses.

Having been put into bat, South Africa were struggling on 83-4 before an incredible one-day international record fifth wicket stand of 256 between David Miller (138 not out) and JP Duminy (115 not out).

The Proteas eventually finished on 339-4 but Zimbabwe then gave them a bit of a scare, Hamilton Masakadza (80) and Chamu Chibhabha (64) adding 105 runs for the second wicket in brisk fashion before they were bowled out for 277.

We have seen David (Miller) demolish attacks like that and he is capable of that. To see it at this high level and in this big tournament is great and it shows where this guy is going in his career.

A relieved De Villiers said: “I am very happy at the performance, we had a really good game today.

"They (Zimbabwe) played some excellent cricket and I will not be surprised if they upset a couple of teams in this World Cup.

“It was a really difficult wicket to bat on in the first 15 to 20 overs but it got easier and luckily David and JP made full use of that and played exceptionally well in that great partnership, which won us the game.

"We have seen David demolish attacks like that and he is capable of that. To see it at this high level and in this big tournament is great and it shows where this guy is going in his career.

"JP also showed good form. He had been a bit out of touch with his injuries but seeing him bat like that is very pleasing."

South Africa will now take two days off before they focus on a heavyweight showdown against defending champions India next Sunday.

I thought we were in the game for a long time. Maybe we lost it in the last five overs of the game, both batting and bowling, especially bowling.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura was upbeat despite the defeat.

"The way we played, there were a lot of positives," he said.

"I thought we were in the game for a long time. Maybe we lost it in the last five overs of the game, both batting and bowling, especially bowling.

"I think, the 47th over, that's where we gave away too many runs.

"The partnership between Masakadza and Chibhabha put us in the game and it is unfortunate they went out at the wrong times.

“We had wickets in hand the last 15 overs but, obviously, we ended up losing two wickets in the powerplay. Then from there on, the pressure was on us."

Zimbabwe will next be in action against the West Indies in Canberra on 24 February.

"I think it's just a matter of carrying the form into the next game,” said Chigumbura.

“If we are to chase another big score, we can change one or two things."