ODI World Cup: Kohli's record ton, Jadeja's five-wicket haul help India crush South Africa, seal top spot

The Indian cricket team continued their impressive run of form at the ongoing ODI World Cup as the Men in Blue sealed the top spot after beating South Africa on Sunday (Nov 5). In a contest highlighted by Virat Kohli’s record-equaling 49th ODI ton, India won by staggering 243runs despite the Proteasin top form. Ravindra Jadeja was the bowling star having ended with figures of 33/5. India will now take on the Netherlands in their last league match next Sunday before playing the semifinal.

Spinners run riot on Kohli-Day

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Tasked to chase 327, the Proteas were never in the contest and were bowled out for 83runs with India on top throughout the game. Jadeja was the star bowler having bagged five wickets after Virat had hogged the spotlight with his 49th ODI hundred which saw him go level with Sachin Tendulkar. South Africa’s batting line-up had no answers to India’s dominance. Only four batters got in double figures for South Africa and Marco Jansen top-scored with 14 on a dull day.

Alongside Jadeja, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav also ended with two wickets while Mohammed Siraj got the remaining wicket.

Kohli excels with special knock

Earlier, Kohli marked his 35th birthday with a special knock as he equaled Tendulkar’s record for most ODI hundreds at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Having missed out on the ton against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the former India captain chose his birthday to score his 49th ODI ton which is also his 79th at the international level. The day also saw him become the third-highest scorer in the ODI World Cup history.

India skipper Rohit Sharma (40) and Shubman Gill (23) started on a positive note as they stitched a 62-run stand for the opening wicket. After both openers departed, Virat and Shreyas Iyer took the initiative in their hands to set a perfect platform for a big score. The latter again missed out on a hundred and was dismissed for 77,scalped by Lungi Ngidi.

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Later KL Rahul (8) and Suryakumar Yadav (22) joined Virat to help him get the ton. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 29 as India reached the big total of 326/5 in their 50 overs.

India’s eyes are now on the semifinals but are still unsure of where they will play as permutations could still see them return to Eden Gardens. If India play Pakistan in the semifinal, they will come back to play at the Eden Gardens after playing against Netherlands intheir last league game atBengaluru. However, if India play any other team, they will travel to Mumbai for a place in the final. South Africa will also play in the semifinals after facingAfghanistan in their final league game.