India triumphs over South Africa by a 243-run margin as Jadeja and Kohli shine in the match

In the clash between India and South Africa, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 101 stood out as the focal point of India’s 326-5 innings, followed by their swift dismissal of South Africa, the second-ranked team in the 10-team tournament, for a mere 83 runs. Ravindra Jadeja’s remarkable 5-33 contributed significantly to South Africa posting their lowest total in any World Cup match.

India claimed a commanding victory over South Africa at Kolkata, extending their winning streak to eight matches in the ODI World Cup. This marked India’s eighth consecutive win, maintaining an unblemished record in the tournament so far. Led by Ravindra Jadeja’s remarkable five-wicket haul, India dominated the Eden Gardens clash, overpowering South Africa by a massive 243-run margin in a face-off between the top two teams in the points table.

South Africa encountered a shaky start as Mohammed Siraj dismissed the in-form Quinton de Kock for just 5, with the Proteas losing their first wicket at a mere 6 runs. Despite a cautious partnership by Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, the required run-rate continued to climb.

Ravindra Jadeja’s entry in the ninth over proved pivotal, dismissing skipper Bavuma for 11 and leaving South Africa at 22/2 after 8.3 overs. The momentum shifted further when Mohammed Shami joined the attack in the subsequent over, claiming Aiden Markram’s wicket for 9, putting the Proteas in a difficult position at 35/3.

Jadeja’s all-around brilliance led to the dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen for 1, leaving South Africa struggling at 40/4. In tandem with Shami, Jadeja further dismantled the South African lineup, as Rassie van der Dussen fell for 13, and the team found themselves at 40/5.

Despite a brief stand by David Miller and Marco Jansen, South Africa barely crossed the 50-run mark within 15 overs. However, Jadeja’s prowess came to the fore once more, cleaning up Miller and Keshav Maharaj, causing South Africa to stumble at 67/7.

Kuldeep Yadav then contributed to the onslaught, dismissing Marco Jansen, and in the subsequent over, Jadeja secured his fifth scalp by dismissing Kagiso Rabada. Finally, Yadav claimed the last wicket of Lungi Ngidi, leading to South Africa’s collapse for a mere 83 runs, securing India’s resounding 243-run victory.

Meanwhile, in the Indian innings, Virat Kohli’s exceptional unbeaten century, his 49th in ODI cricket, became the centerpiece of India’s formidable total of 326 for 5 against South Africa. Partnering with Shreyas Iyer, Kohli entertained the Eden Gardens crowd, reaching his milestone in 119 balls on his 35th birthday.

Rohit Sharma’s aggressive start was curtailed as South Africa managed to dismiss him and his opening partner Shubman Gill, leaving India at 105 for 2 after 15 overs in the World Cup match.

India’s continued dominance saw them secure a spot in the knockout stages of the ICC World Cup 2023, remaining the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far. Unfortunately, the team received news of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s unavailability due to an ankle injury sustained during the Bangladesh game.

With India’s outstanding performance in both batting and bowling, and South Africa’s formidable display in the World Cup, the clash between the two teams at Eden Gardens promised to be a gripping encounter. Both squads remained unchanged for this crucial match, reflecting the intensity of the encounter between the top contenders in the World Cup.

Key highlights of the match included various crucial moments, such as Shubman Gill’s early dismissal, followed by impactful performances from Jadeja and the South African team’s struggle against India’s formidable bowling attack.