ICC Men’s World Cup, Kolkata:
At a glance: India 326-5 (50 overs): Kohli 101* (121), Iyer 77 (87), Sharma 40 (24)
Versus South Africa 83 all out (27.1 overs): Jansen 14 (30); Jadeja 5-33, Yadav 2-7, Shami 2-18
Victory Margin: India by 243 runs
Tournament standing: Scorecard and Group table
Emulating the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli hammered his 49th ODI century, propelling India to a massive 243-run victory over South Africa in the World Cup showdown.
On the occasion of his 35th birthday, Kohli’s unbeaten 101 from 121 balls electrified the Eden Gardens audience.
India’s hefty 326-5 was chiefly anchored by Kohli’s masterclass in Kolkata.
In reply, South Africa’s batting crumbled to a paltry 83 all out in just over 27 overs.
This triumph ensures India’s unblemished record, topping their group with a clean sweep in the league stage.
Though already through to the semi-finals, South Africa trails India by two points, positioned second above Australia.
‘Kohli Reigns Supreme in One-Day Cricket, Both for the Day and History’
Kohli’s innings blossomed in a 134-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who strode in at two for 92 in the 11th over after a fiery start by Rohit Sharma.
Iyer’s dismissal came at the hands of Ngidi after a solid 77 off 87, preceding brisk scores from Suryakumar Yadav (22 off 14) and an undefeated 29 from Jadeja that brought the innings home with panache.
The formidable Indian seam and spin combo swept through the Proteas, with Jadeja snatching a five-wicket haul.
As leaders of the group stage, this clash hinted at a potential World Cup final teaser, with India reinforcing their favorite status to claim a third title.
Kohli’s Quest Mirrors the ‘Master Blaster’
The scene was lit as phones glowed like a constellation, with Jadeja’s single on Rabada’s delivery bringing Kohli to the crease at 99.
Kohli’s stroke to cover for a single ignited a festival in the stands. His calm bat raise and skyward gaze were the picture of composure.
“Playing for India is always huge, and doing this on my birthday in such a crowd is a boyhood fantasy come to life,” Kohli remarked, noting the emotion tied to matching his idol.
Tendulkar himself cheered Kohli on social media, urging him to surpass the milestone he set earlier this year.
Century-Makers in One-Day Internationals:
Player – Hundreds – Innings
- Virat Kohli (India) – 49 – 277
- Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 49 – 452
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 31 – 251
…and others follow
Kohli’s achievement comes in a shorter span than Tendulkar’s, with the latter’s 49th taking 451 innings over 462 ODIs. Kohli, with the second-most runs this tournament, eyes Tendulkar’s single-World Cup record of 673 runs.
From his ODI debut in 2008 to witnessing Tendulkar’s final ODI century in 2012, Kohli has soared from protégé to peer, boasting a staggering ODI average and a chase mastery unmatched.
Tendulkar still leads with the most ODI runs and Test centuries, but with the T20 surge, Kohli’s imminent 50th ODI century could set an indelible benchmark.
South Africa’s Chase Woes Continue
The Proteas’ struggles in pursuit were exacerbated by a poor toss call, contrasting their colossal first-innings totals throughout the Cup.
Their chase strategy failed, as early losses including top-scorer de Kock led to a collapse, stark against their batting-first dominance.
Post-Match Reflections
Man of the match, Kohli: “This was more than a match; it’s my birthday and against formidable opponents. I woke up to a special feeling today.”
India’s captain, Sharma, maintains a cautious optimism, focusing on consistent performance and staying grounded with more crucial games ahead.
Bavuma, South Africa’s captain, acknowledges the challenge ahead, emphasizing the need for unemotional strategy discussions and adaptability to playing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Virat Kohli century
How many ODI centuries has Virat Kohli scored?
Virat Kohli has scored 49 ODI centuries, equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
What was the result of the India vs South Africa World Cup match?
India won the match against South Africa by 243 runs.
What was Virat Kohli’s score against South Africa?
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 101 runs off 121 balls against South Africa.
Where was the India vs South Africa World Cup match played?
The match was played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Who were the top performers in the India vs South Africa match?
Apart from Kohli’s century, Shreyas Iyer scored 77 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja took 5 wickets for 33 runs.
Has South Africa secured a semi-final spot in the World Cup despite their loss?
Yes, South Africa had already secured a semi-final place before this match.
What record could Virat Kohli break next?
Kohli could break Tendulkar’s record for the most runs at a single World Cup and is also eyeing the milestone of 50 ODI centuries.
More about Virat Kohli century
- Virat Kohli’s Record-Equalling Century
- India’s Dominant Win Over South Africa
- World Cup Group Table and India’s Top Position
- South Africa’s World Cup Semi-Final Qualification
- Kohli and Tendulkar’s ODI Century Comparison
- Match Highlights: India vs South Africa
6 comments
tough game for us but we still in semis. hoping we can turn it around, go proteas!
did anyone else see that crowd reaction? it was like a diwali celebration when Kohli hit that century, insane atmosphere at Eden!
sachin is still the god of cricket but kohli… man he’s on another level sometimes, no denying that
wow kohli just keeps smashing records doesnt he?? just like watching sachin in the old days! this is epic!
This match gonna be remembered for a long time. Kohli’s birthday, matching the little master’s record, what a storybook day it was.
Feel bad for SA, really thot they had a chance this time. India’s bowling was just too good, Jadeja’s 5-for was just… chef’s kiss