ANS: India defeated South Africa by 243 runs in a World Cup encounter in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Sunday.
India’s formidable batting lineup posted a daunting total of 326/5 to set the stage for their victory. The team’s bowlers then proceeded to dismantle the Proteas’ batting order, restricting them to a meagre 83 runs within 28 overs, extending India’s impressive eight-game winning streak in the tournament.
The match kicked off with an aggressive display from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, setting the tone for India’s batting prowess. Virat Kohli’s brilliant century and Shreyas Iyer’s attacking half-century further strengthened India’s position, with late contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja propelling India to a total beyond 300.
In the field, South Africa displayed resilience, managing to contain the flow of runs during the middle overs. However, India’s strong start and a robust finish ultimately proved pivotal to their success.
Virat Kohli’s 49th century in ODIs saw him join the legendary Sachin Tendulkar as the highest century-makers in the format.
India’s bowlers made an immediate impact with the new ball, dismissing South Africa’s top-order batsmen in the opening powerplay. Ravindra Jadeja took center stage with a five-wicket haul, disrupting the Proteas’ efforts.
Mohammed Siraj made an early breakthrough for India, dismissing Quinton de Kock, who had just reached 1000 runs in the Cricket World Cup in the second over. India’s pacers applied consistent pressure with a series of dot balls. Recognizing the wicket’s turn, Rohit Sharma introduced Ravindra Jadeja into the attack, leading to immediate success as Jadeja dismantled Temba Bavuma’s stumps.
Mohammed Shami added to the pressure by claiming the wicket of Aiden Markram. Disciplined bowling and well-timed reviews by Rohit Sharma ensured India maintained control, and Jadeja’s dismissal of David Miller left South Africa’s chase in tatters. They were eventually bowled out in the 28th over.
India’s batting display was marked by aggressive stroke-play from the outset, with eight boundaries in the first four overs, including five from Rohit Sharma. Rohit added more boundaries and sixes, but his innings was brought to an end by Kagiso Rabada’s brilliant catch.
Virat Kohli, celebrating his 35th birthday, continued the aggressive approach, while Shubman Gill’s dismissal was orchestrated by Keshav Maharaj’s brilliant delivery. As South African spinners exerted control, the scoring opportunities dwindled. However, Iyer and Kohli managed to break free, with Iyer hitting a towering six off Tabraiz Shamsi in the 28th over.
Kohli maintained the momentum, and India appeared poised to surpass 300 runs. However, Iyer’s dismissal slowed India’s scoring rate. In the death overs, both teams fought hard, with Suryakumar Yadav’s attacking play contributing crucial runs for India.
Ravindra Jadeja’s late heroics helped India reach 326/5, with Kohli finishing unbeaten on 101.
Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first in Kolkata, with Temba Bavuma expressing the same preference. South Africa made one change, with Tabraiz Shamsi replacing Gerald Coetzee.