Advertisment
ODI world cup 2023 Cricket

'Jeet gye bhai jeet gye' -  Fans erupt in joy as India steamrolls South Africa to register massive 243-run win in 2023 World Cup

Virat Kohli, who scored his 49th ODI century, won the Player of the Match. Ravindra Jadeja also excelled with the ball by picking up five wickets.

author-image
Mathew K
New Update
IND vs SA (Source: Twitter)

IND vs SA (Source: Twitter)

A heavyweight clash between India and South Africa was expected to take place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata as the two strongest teams in the 2023 World Cup locked horns. However, it turned out to be a one-sided affair as the Men in Blue steamrolled the Proteas to register a massive 248-run win on Sunday, November 5. The hosts are unbeaten so far in the tournament and have cemented their top spot with another emphatic win.

Advertisment

Knowing the conditions and history of South Africa's second-innings batting, Rohit Sharma did not think much about electing to bat first after winning the toss. The skipper showed his intent right from the start, opening his account with a boundary in the very first over. He continued his red-hot form by providing another aggressive start for the team. The veteran opener raced to 40 runs off 22 deliveries and played like a T20 game. 

Shubman Gill also scored at a brisk run rate from the other end and India's score was 61-0 at the end of the fifth over. Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma soon brought Kagiso Rabada into the attack and the star pacer got the big wicket of Rohit Sharma. Gill got the company of birthday boy Virat Kohli, but the youngster fell to a peach delivery from Keshav Maharaj. 

Although Rohit failed to convert his great start, his quick-fire knock was essential in setting the tone. Kohli continued his business as usual while Shreyas Iyer took his time to settle down before going hard on the bowlers. The two stitched a 130-plus partnership to put India in the driver's seat. Effective cameos from Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also proved crucial as India crossed 320. However, the limelight was all on Kohli's world record-equalling 49th ODI ton. 

Advertisment

Ravindra Jadeja's spin attack wraps up South African innings inside 30 overs

A target of 327 on this pitch was always going to be a challenge but given South Africa's firepower, everyone was worried. However, with a span of 10 balls, Mohammed Siraj proved India are going to boss this game as he removed dangerous Quinton de Kock. The Indian pacers dominated once again but it was the performance of Ravindra Jadeja who rocked the Proteas batting line-up today with his spin attack.

Rohit brought Jadeja early into the attack and the all-rounder went on a wicket-taking spree. He removed Bavuma first, then got rid of dangerous Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. Mohammed Shami, meanwhile, came in and picked up two crucial wickets of Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen. Jadeja then grabbed two more wickets to complete his fifer and Kuldeep Yadav also joined the fun to polish off the tail. South African innings were wrapped up for 83 runs in 27.1 overs. 

Advertisment

Here's how fans reacted to India's thumping win over South Africa: 

India Virat Kohli featured South Africa ODI World Cup 2023