Cricket World Cup 2023: Kohli and Jadeja handover eighth straight win to India

KOLKATA: Virat Kohli's century and Ravindra Jadeja's fifer helped India achieve their eighth straight win in this edition of the World Cup. Their latest triumph came against South Africa, propelling them to the top of the league standings with one match remaining. South Africa, previously exceptional in the tournament, appeared clueless against India and suffered a massive 243-run defeat.

The chase of 327 runs was a formidable task for South Africa, who never really looked like contenders. None of their batters managed to score more than 20 runs as the Indian bowlers, particularly Ravindra Jadeja (5/33), Mohammed Shami (2/18), and Kuldeep Yadav (2/7), posed significant challenges. Consequently, South Africa found themselves all out for a mere 83 runs in just 27.1 overs.

On the flip side, India got off to a sensational start courtesy of their openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit's (40) impressive form was halted by Rabada, and shortly after, Gill was also dismissed. However, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer formed a formidable partnership, amassing 134 runs. Eventually, Lungi Ngidi removed Iyer (77) from the crease. Later in the innings, Kohli found solid support from Surya Kumar Yadav (22) and Ravindra Jadeja (29). In the end, Kohli (101*) reached his 49th century, equalling Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most centuries in ODIs. After 50 overs, India posted a total of 326/5.

India's next and final match in the group stage is scheduled for November 12 against the Netherlands. Meanwhile, South Africa will play their last league game against Afghanistan on November 10.

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