In an exhilarating World Cup showdown at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Virat Kohli achieved a momentous milestone by notching his 49th century. This exceptional accomplishment places him on an equal footing with the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. The clash between these two leading teams, both having secured berths in the semi-finals, held the promise of being a remarkable spectacle.
Virat Kohli’s century not only matched Sachin Tendulkar’s record but also positioned him as the player with the most hundreds in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Additionally, he clinched the title of the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 543 runs.
After his exceptional performance, Kohli underscored his role within the team, emphasizing, “My duty in this squad is to anchor the innings until the end, and the team’s strategy is crystal clear. I will adhere to my designated role, while my teammates will continue to bat around me.”
When inquired about achieving his 49th century on his birthday, Kohli conveyed his appreciation, remarking, “Representing India is a momentous occasion every time. Achieving this century on my birthday is akin to living a dream, and I am indebted for the privilege of savouring such a moment.”
The match itself witnessed India winning the toss and electing to bat first. An explosive commencement led by Rohit Sharma set the tone, with Kohli and Shreyas Iyer stabilizing the innings. Swift contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja propelled India to a formidable total of 326 runs.
On the other hand, South Africa faced a formidable challenge in response, enduring the loss of five wickets and amassing a mere 52 runs within the initial 15 overs as they pursued India’s target.
