Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49th one-day international century as India crushed South Africa by 243-runs in the Cricket World Cup encounter in Kolkata.

On his 35th birthday, Kohli scored 101 runs off of 121 balls, electrifying the Eden Gardens crowd.

In their 50 overs, India amassed 326-5 thanks to his outstanding knock.

After 27.1 overs, South Africa was skittled out for just 89.

India will undoubtedly finish first after winning all eight of their group-stage games.

With 12 points, South Africa is two points ahead of Australia in third place, and they have already guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals.

After Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave the India innings a characteristically explosive start, Kohli and Iyer put on 134 for the third wicket to stabilise the innings. Iyer came to the crease in the 11th over with the score at 92-2.

Lungi Ngidi eventually dismissed Shreyas for 77 from 87 deliveries, but not before Suryakumar Yadav struck for an explosive 22 from 14 balls and Ravindra Jadeja finished unbeaten at 29 from 15 to bring the innings to a rousing finish.

India’s potent seam attack, supported by their spinners, easily outclassed South Africa’s batting lineup, with Jadeja taking 5-33 as the standout bowler.

This match could have been a practise run for the World Cup final in Ahmedabad later this month, with South Africa and India leading the way at the top.

The fact that India won so easily won’t significantly change their standing as the overwhelming favourites to win the trophy three times.

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