The match No. 37 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between India and South Africa is under way in Kolkata at Eden Gardens. This game is between two table toppers, and India has firmed their grip on the game as per the current scoreline.
Team India batted pretty well in the first inning. India scored a massive 326/5 in 50 overs. Notably, it is also the 35th birthday for Virat Kohli, and he made it a memorable one. The former Indian skipper, who missed hundreds in his last two games, reached triple figures at Eden Gardens.
Virat registered his 49th ODI hundred and equaled Sachin Tendulkar for the joint-most centuries in 50-over cricket. Though it was his joint-slowest hundred in his career. He made 101 off 121 balls with ten fours, but it was pretty special on a hard track that had everything for the bowlers.
He also became the only 8th player to score a hundred on his birthday. However, it was a big moment, and every Indian fan was pretty excited. A number of former and current cricketers, along with cricket pundits, congratulated the former Indian captain for his special feat.
On the other hand, Sri Lankan stand-in skipper Kusal Mendis had a weird reaction to it. Notably, Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh tomorrow at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Mendis was asked by a reporter to congratulate Virat on his 49th ton in the post-match presentation. He said, “Why would I congratulate him?” and smiled.
Journalist " Virat Just scored his 49th ODI ton. Do you like to congratulate him?"
— Out Of Context Cricket PK (@GemsOfCrickett) November 5, 2023
Kusak Mendis" Why I would congratulate him"😭😭😭#INDvSA #INDvsSA #SAvIND #ViratKohli #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/DAqh2oeO5e
The Indian team is all over South Africa, as the Proteas have lost 7 wickets for 68 runs in 19 overs. It looks like India will wrap up the South African tail early and register a big win. The Indian bowlers are doing a wonderful job and have done pretty well.
