India vs South Africa Live Score – World Cup 2023: Bowlers Swing Match in India’s Favor
In the thrilling encounter between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja, have turned the tide in their favor.
Early Struggles for South Africa: South Africa’s chase of 327 runs got off to a disastrous start as they were reduced to 35/3 at the end of the first powerplay. Mohammed Siraj dismissed in-form Quinton de Kock for just 5 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja removed Temba Bavuma for 11 (off 19 balls). Mohammed Shami, in superb form, also joined the party by removing Aiden Markram for 9 (off 6 balls). Shortly after, the duo struck again, eliminating Henrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen, reducing South Africa to a precarious 40/5 in just 13.1 overs.
Jadeja’s Dominance: Ravindra Jadeja continued to make inroads, cleaning up David Miller for 11 runs. He then removed Keshav Maharaj for 7 (off 11 balls), registering his fourth wicket of the match.
Virat Kohli’s Heroic Century: Before the bowlers took control, Virat Kohli played an exceptional innings on his 35th birthday. He equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s remarkable record of 49 ODI centuries. Kohli’s century was the cornerstone of India’s mammoth total of 326/5 in 50 overs. He started with a great partnership with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who aggressively scored against the South African bowlers. After the openers were dismissed, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings, with the pair both scoring half-centuries. Iyer departed for 77 off 87 balls after a 134-run partnership. KL Rahul fell soon after, and Suryakumar Yadav played a quick cameo, smashing 22 runs in 14 balls. Ravindra Jadeja contributed with the bat as well, remaining unbeaten on 29 runs from 15 balls. Kohli ended unbeaten on 101 runs from 121 balls.
India’s Strong Bowling Start: Following their batting heroics, India’s bowlers started doing what they do best. In-form Quinton de Kock was dismissed early in the second over by Mohammed Siraj, while Ravindra Jadeja struck again by removing Temba Bavuma in the ninth over.
South Africa’s Challenge: South Africa was considered India’s toughest test in the World Cup 2023. Despite being a higher-ranked team, India had faced unexpected results against the Proteas in the past. The absence of Hardik Pandya was a concern for India, but the team had the added firepower of Mohammed Shami and Suryakumar Yadav. India remained confident, even joking that Virat Kohli could pitch in as the sixth bowler if needed.
Kohli’s Monumental Century: Virat Kohli’s monumental century was a fitting way to celebrate his 35th birthday. He batted with determination and skill, defying tricky conditions and a quality South African bowling attack. His record-equalling 49th ODI century was a remarkable achievement, and he had a strong record at the Eden Gardens. He had previously scored 61 in 30 ODIs against South Africa.
Historical Connection: There is a historical connection between India and South Africa in this tournament. In the 2011 World Cup, South Africa was the only team that India lost to. The Law of Averages was a concern for some, but India had to prove itself against South Africa before facing the Netherlands, who were in an upward trajectory.
This match marks a significant contest, and India’s performance is critical in ensuring their success in the World Cup. They have one more game to play before the knockouts and will aim to maintain their form.
Key Points:
- South Africa had a challenging start, reduced to 35/3.
- Virat Kohli equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries.
- India batted first and posted 326/5 in 50 overs.
- India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, started aggressively.
- Shreyas Iyer contributed with a half-century before getting dismissed.
- Kohli remained unbeaten with 101 runs.
- India’s bowlers got off to a strong start.
- South Africa was seen as a significant challenge for India.
- Historical significance with South Africa, the only team that India lost to in the 2011 World Cup.
- India aims to continue their good form in the World Cup.
