Virat Kohli equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI record of 49 hundreds on his birthday as India crushed South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday to win their 8th successive match at the 2023 World Cup and assure themselves of the No.1 spot in the points table.
The toss favoured India, who opted to set the tone of the match by batting first. South Africa were set 327 to win but they were blown away by an Indian bowling attack which is now the envy of the world. Jasprit Bumrah was unplayable, Mohammed Siraj dismissed Quinton de Kock, the highest run-scorer in the World Cup, Mohammed Shami picked a few more wickets and Ravindra Jadeja starred with 5 for 33.
India and South Africa had already qualified for the semifinals before Sunday but there was still plenty of interest around the top-of-the-table clash. But it turned out to be a one-sided contest as India steamrolled the Proteas after deciding to bat first on a tricky pitch.
Team India’s victory sparked a flurry of celebratory posts on social media from cricket fans. While many highlighted India’s wins in consecutive matches, others heaped praises on Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.
Prime minister Narendra Modi congratulated Team India for the huge victory.
Our cricket team is triumphant yet again! Congratulations to the team for a splendid performance against South Africa. Great teamwork.
They have also given a great birthday gift to Virat Kohli, who played a lovely innings today. @imVkohli
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2023
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also congratulated Team India and Virat Kohli for the win.
Well played Virat.
It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days.
Congratulations!!#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/PVe4iXfGFk— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 5, 2023
