05 November,2023 05:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli (Pic: AFP)
ICC World Cup 2023 | IND vs SA: After getting an elevated start from the openers, Team India's Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer continued the run-scoring tempo with crisp batting. Iyer shouldered Kohli in India's innings built-up. The 'Men in Blue' set a target of 327 runs for the 'Proteas' to chase down.
Virat Kohli completed his 79th international century and has levelled the record of most ODI centuries with Sachin Tendulkar.
Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli continues rich vein of form, notches up 71st ODI fifty
Rohit Sharma started India's innings by hitting a boundary to Lungi Ngidi. The shots from Rohit's bat helped India complete 50 runs in just 4.3 overs as the skipper smashed two sixes and six boundaries during his knock. He scored a quick 24-ball 40 and later on the Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma dived to his right to take a great catch of Rohit Sharma. Opening partner Shubman Gill departed soon, confused by a superb delivery from spinner Keshav Maharaj for 23 runs.
ALSO READ
2023 ODI WC generated impact of Rs 11.637 crore
Dhoni, Rohit, KL gear up for charity
'Injuries don't define you': Mohammed Shami shares rehab update
'If I could have played till the end...': KL Rahul on his 'regret' in WC final
"India wanted to give Australia a slow track": Kaif on ODI World Cup final
Thereafter, Virat Kohli, celebrating his 35th birthday, and Shreyas Iyer were at the crease by the end of the 15th over. The Kohli-Iyer duo took over the control and completed their 100-run stand on the last ball of the 31st over. Shreyas Iyer brought up the 100-run partnership in style by smashing a four to Proteas' pacer Marco Jansen.
Also Read: IN PHOTOS | Virat Kohli's best knocks
Shreyas Iyer muscled up his shots and entertained the crowd by hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes before getting caught in the hands of Aiden Markram. On the other hand, Kohli continued to score 10 boundaries in the gaps.
None of the South African bowlers were able to break the partnership between the duo till Lungi Ngidi made a breakthrough. They displayed a masterful show with the willow against the in-form South Africa team. In the end, Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja played a cameo of 22 runs and 29 runs, respectively.
Score summary:
Virat Kohli 101 (121)
Shreyas Iyer 77 (88)
Ravindra Jadeja 29 (15)
Kagiso Rabada: Overs bowled (10), runs (48), wickets (1)
Keshav Maharaj: Overs bowled (10), runs (30), wickets (1)
Lungi Ngidi: Overs bowled (8.2), runs (63), wickets (1)
