India demolish South Africa while Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar

India (Commonwealth) _After striking his 49th one-day international century in a comprehensive 243-run win for the hosts against South Africa in the World Cup in Kolkata, Virat Kohli equaled fellow India great Sachin Tendulkar’s record.

On his 35th birthday, Kohli smashed 101 not out off 121 balls, throwing the Eden Gardens crowd into a frenzy. His magnificent innings aided India’s total of 326-5 from 50 overs.

South Africa were then bowled out for 89 in 27.1 overs. After winning all eight of their group-stage matches, India is almost certain to finish first. South Africa, which has already qualified for the semi-finals, is second on 12 points, two points ahead of Australia in third.

Kohli put up 134 for the third wicket with Shreyas Iyer, who joined the crease in the 11th over with the score 92-2 after a usual explosive start by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Lungi Ngidi ultimately bowled Shreyas for 77 from 87 deliveries, before Suryakumar Yadav’s spirited 22 from 14 balls and Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 29 from 15 saw the innings close with a flourish.

India’s formidable seam attack was backed up by their spinners to cruise through South Africa’s batting order, with Jadeja claiming 5-33. With India and South Africa at the top, this match might be a dress rehearsal for the World Cup final later this month in Ahmedabad. This emphatic victory would do little to change India’s reputation as big favorites to win the trophy for the third time.

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South Africa’s destiny may have been sealed when they were ordered to pursue after losing the toss. If South Africa had won the coin toss, everything would have been different. The fearsome India would have been defeated because the Proteas have more powerful and explosive batters in the competition than the Indian batting lineup. However, Indian bawlers may outperform South African bawlers.

When batting first in this World Cup, Temba Bavuma’s team has scored 428, 311, 399, 382 and 357 runs, winning by more than 100 runs each time. The Proteas have failed to chase on both occasions, losing to the Netherlands and winning by one wicket against Pakistan.

Their innings began disastrously when tournament top-scorer Quinton de Kock sliced Mohammed Siraj onto his own stumps after only six runs. Their cautious approach in the powerplay, with the goal of saving wickets before pressing on later in the innings, backfired when Bavuma and Aide Markram went cheaply, reducing the Proteas to 35-3 after 10 overs.

They never really recovered, as wickets dropped with frightening frequency to an India assault that had knocked out Sri Lanka and England for 55 and 129 runs in their previous two matches, respectively. Only four players scored in double digits, with bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen leading the way with 14.

When Jadeja poked a single off Kagiso Rabada in the 49th over, Eden Gardens turned into a sea of light as the fans lit up their phones in anticipation. Kohli pushed the following ball to cover for a single, sparking wild celebrations in the crowd. Kohli calmly raised his bat before removing his helmet and gazing up at the sky.

Every chance to play for India is significant, and to do so on my birthday in front of a large audience is the stuff of dreams. “It’s something you dream about as a kid,” said Kohli, who hit 10 fours in his innings. “I’m just happy to help the team as much as I can.”

Tendulkar remarked on X, previously Twitter, “Well played, Virat.” Earlier this year, I went from 49 to 50 in 365 days. I’m hoping you’ll beat my record and go from 49 to 50 in the following few days. Congratulations!”.

Most centuries in one-day internationals