IND vs SA: Unbeaten Team India extends winning streak, South Africa's chasing woes continue

South Africa, known for their all-rounded team, was outplayed by top-ranked India in Match 37 of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. India got the Proteas all-out for a mere 83 runs in 27.1 overs winning the game by a mammoth 243 runs. Rohit Sharma and Co. extended their unbeaten streak, securing their 8th consecutive victory in the tournament, and maintaining their position at the pinnacle of the points table with 16 points.

South Africa's chase of 327 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata began on a dismal note, with the team stumbling to 35/3 at the end of the first powerplay. Mohammed Siraj dismissed the in-form Quinton de Kock for just 5 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja sent Temba Bavuma back to the pavilion with 11 runs from 19 balls. The fiery Mohammed Shami joined the party, taking down Aiden Markram after he had managed just 9 runs from 6 balls. 

ALSO READ | IND vs SA: Sachin Tendulkar congratulates Virat Kohli, anticipates his 50th ODI century soon

Jadeja and Shami combined again to dismiss Henrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen respectively, leaving South Africa struggling at 40/5 in 13.1 overs. Marco Jansen, who looked a little good with the bat, also gave away his wicket for an easy catch for 14.

Jadeja continued his dominance, cleaning up David Miller, who scored a run-a-ball 11, Keshav Maharaj, who contributed 7 and Kagiso Rabada for 6 which saw him clinching his fifer. Kuldeep Yadav ended things by getting Lungi Ngidi bowled for a duck.

Earlier in the innings, Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in India's commanding performance, marking his 49th ODI century on his 35th birthday. With this remarkable feat, he equalled Sachin Tendulkar's extraordinary record of 49 ODI centuries. Despite the challenging pitch and the oppressive humidity in Kolkata, Kohli's century paved the way for India to post a formidable total of 326/5 in their allotted 50 overs.

ALSO READ | IND vs SA: Virat Kohli gets his 49th ODI 100 on a tricky Kolkata pitch, equals Sachin Tendulkar's record on his birthday

India, choosing to bat first, began aggressively with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill taking on Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada. Their explosive partnership of 62 runs set the stage for India, with Rohit Sharma playing a quick 24-ball innings and contributing 40 runs, while Shubman Gill added 23. However, South Africa fought back impressively, limiting India to 105 for two after 15 overs.

Shreyas Iyer played a significant knock, amassing 77 runs from 87 balls, while KL Rahul managed only 8 runs from 17 balls. Suryakumar Yadav provided an entertaining cameo, scoring 22 from 14 balls, and Ravindra Jadeja followed suit. The all-rounder remained unbeaten with 29 off 15 deliveries, while Kohli reached his milestone century, concluding with an unbeaten 101 off 121 balls.