The skies turn dark early in Eastern India but even in this inky blackness, Virat Kohli shone like the sun, staying even more incandescent than the floodlights. Kohli’s record-equalling 49th ODI ton (101 n.o., 121b, 10x4), that helped him draw level with his idol Sachin Tendulkar, set the base for India’s 326 for five, a total that proved way beyond South Africa’s grasp in the World Cup game at a boisterous Eden Gardens here on Sunday.
Kohli’s support cast included batter Shreyas Iyer (77) and a relentless bowling attack that stifled the rivals. South Africa finished with 83 in 27.1 overs and the Men in Blue won by 243 runs. The pursuit hinged a lot on Quinton de Kock but the southpaw slashed a Mohammed Siraj delivery onto his stumps in the second over. Skipper Temba Bavuma tried to hang around but the noose tightened when Ravindra Jadeja spun one into his timber. Mohammed Shami then steamed in and gained an edge from Aiden Markram.
