Kolkata, November 5: India continued their domination in World Cup Cricket, defeating second-placed South Africa by 243 runs to go 8-0 and remain undefeated in the World Cup on Sunday.
Combined with the batting pyrotechnics of Virat Kohli, who created history on his 35th birthday by scoring his 49th ODI century, equalling cricket legdnd Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most ODI tons, and Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul, a rampant India ran riot at the Eden Gardens, decimating South Africa by a whopping 243 runs in the battle of one and two in the points table on Sunday.
This was India’s eighth win in as many matches maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament so far.
After calling it right at the toss, Rohit opted to bat first and took the Men in Blue to a blistering start, scoring 91 runs inside the Powerplay, after which the major headline of the day was Virat Kohli’s record-equalling 49th ODI century on his 35th birthday, at the ground where he got his 1st international century, helping India post a mammoth total of 326/5 at the end of the innings.
After the break, the Indian bowlers continued their turmoil with the ball, picking up 3 wickets inside the Powerplay and bundling out South Africa for just 83, headlined by Jadeja’s 5-wicket haul this time.
The Men in Blue confirmed their place at the top of the table, have bundled out the opposition in 6 of the 8 matches, and are the only team this World Cup to not get all out. Can they continue this momentum and domination for the rest of the tournament? Join us on November 12th for India’s last league game against the Netherlands at Bangalore.
Temba Bavuma, South Africa Skipper said, “We know it was a challenge. We had had our conversations with our batters. They got 90 in the first 10 overs and we did well after that, curbed down the run-rate. We were not able to adapt unfortunately. Potentially, we might play again here in the semis.”
Rohit Sharma, India Skipper said, “Jadeja has been very good for us playing in every format over the years. Today was a classical case as to what Jadeja is for us, came out at the death and scored vital runs, and then picked up wickets.”
Virat Kohli was the Player of the Match.
Kohli said, “It was a big game, probably playing the toughest team in the tournament. There was a motivation to do well. Because it happened on my birthday, it became special and the people made it more special for me.
“It’s a very emotional moment for me, I know where I come from, I know the days I have watched Sachin Tendulkar on TV, and just to get that appreciation from him means a lot to me,” said Kohli.
