Virat Kohli presented himself with a memorable birthday gift on Sunday playing a starring role in his team’s big win over South Africa in the ongoing World Cup 2023. Kohli scored his 49th ODI century and thus equalled the all-time record for the most hundreds in the format.
On a challenging Eden Gardens pitch, Kohli was quick off the block but upon understanding that the surface has slowed down, he dropped anchor and batted through the end to take his team to a big 326/5 in 50 overs. He remained unbeaten on 101.
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Following his exploits, Kohli was also chosen as the player-of-the-match.
A video has emerged of the India batting star meeting with the local ground staff and clicking pictures with them after India’s 243-run win in Kolkata.
Virat Kohli acknowledged the Eden Gardens groundstaff and took a picture with them.– The icon!pic.twitter.com/FyFy8VoYjZ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 5, 2023
Kohli wasn’t the only star for India on the night. Shreyas Iyer played an enterprising innings of 77 off 87 to provide the push in the middle overs.
And after that, it was the turn of Indian bowlers to rock South Africa with Mohammed Siraj getting rid of in-form opener Quinton de Kock for 5 in the second over of the innings.
Mohammed Shami continued his stunning form with two wickets but it was Ravindra Jadeja who stole the show with a five-wicket haul becoming just the second India spinner after Yuvraj Singh to do so in a world cup match.
“It was a big game, probably playing the toughest team in the tournament,” Kohli said after the match. “There was a motivation to do well. Because it happened on my birthday, it becomes special and the people made it more special for me.”
The win, India’s eighth in a row, has ensured they will finish the league stage at the top of the world cup points table. They will next take on the Netherlands on November 12 in Bengaluru.
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