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Virat Kohli scripted history on Sunday by notching his 49th ODI century in the World Cup match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
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With this ton, Virat Kohli is now on par with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who concluded his illustrious career with an impressive 49 ODI centuries to his name. Virat Kohli’s century was crucial to India’s cause as it came on a surface that was slow and sluggish, and batters had to dig in.
It was a laboured inning and he got to this century off 119 deliveries, including 10 boundaries. It should be mentioned here that Virat Kohli got to this milestone in 277 ODI innings, managing to equal Sachin Tendulkar’s record in 17 innings less.
Irfan Pathan, who was on air doing commentary, added another layer with his excellent take. “It’s a very big moment for Virat Kohli and Indian cricket team fans. It’s a World Cup century. The player who lifted Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders and took a lap of the ground is now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him,” Pathan called on air as Kohli trudged across to take a single and complete his 49th ton.
Sachin paaji ko Kandhe pe uthane se kandhe se kandha milake chalne wala shandaar safar @imVkohli ka. Many congratulations chase master 🐐 💯 pic.twitter.com/ijerw9iqcQ
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 5, 2023
This moment came in the 49th over when Kohli calmly pushed Kagiso Rabada for a single, taking his total to 100 runs in 119 balls, with 10 fours to his credit.
Kohli had come close to matching Tendulkar’s feat earlier in this World Cup as well, but he fell short when he was dismissed for 95 and 88 against New Zealand and Sri Lanka respectively. However, he was not going to miss out on getting to his ton on his birthday at Eden Gardens.
He navigated the spin bowlers with caution and anchored the innings at one end. This innings ensured that India raced ahead in the end to post 326/5 in their allotted 50 overs.
This total was more than enough for the Indian bowlers as the pacers and Ravindra Jadeja combined to send South Africa packing for 83. India will now finish the league stage as table toppers. If they do not take on Pakistan, India will play the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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