KOLKATA: King Kohli's powerful batting led to a significant defeat for South Africa, as India's bowlers also performed exceptionally. South Africa, chasing a target of 327 runs, were all out for just 83 runs in 27.1 overs, resulting in India securing their eighth consecutive victory in the World Cup.

India, choosing to bat after winning the toss, managed to score 326 runs for the loss of five wickets within the stipulated overs. In addition to Virat, Shreyas Iyer (77), Rohit Sharma (40), Jadeja (29*), Gill (23) and Suryakumar (22) were standout performers in the Indian lineup. Ravindra Jadeja, who took five wickets, was well supported by Shami and Kuldeep, who each took two wickets, and Siraj, who secured one wicket, putting South Africa in a tough spot. Virat Kohli nearly matched Sachin Tendulkar's record by patiently scoring 101 runs from 121 balls, hitting 10 boundaries consecutively. Virat was awarded the Man of the Match.

When South Africa began their batting in response, Mohammed Siraj delivered the initial blow by dismissing Quinton de Kock in the second over. De Kock, who had scored four centuries in this World Cup, could only manage five runs in this game. Tempa Bauma (11) and Razi Vander Dusen attempted to stabilize the innings but could only last until the ninth over. Bauma was bowled out by Ravindra Jadeja, breaking the partnership. South Africa's situation worsened when Shami sent Aiden Markram (9) back to the pavilion, caught by KL Rahul, in the 10th over. In the 13th over, he trapped Heinrich Klaasen (1) leg-before-wicket (LBW), and Dozen (13) also fell to LBW. Miller (11) and Janssen managed to pass the 50-run mark, but when they reached 59, Jadeja dismissed Miller. In the 19th over, Jadeja disrupted Keshav Maharaj's stumps, leaving South Africa at 67/7. South Africa tried to resist but were eventually all out for 83 runs in 27.1 overs.

The decision by Rohit Sharma, who won the toss and chose to bat, brought joy to the fans celebrating Virat's birthday in the stadium. Indian captain Rohit Sharma (40 runs off 24 balls), opening the innings, saw aggressive batting as the best defense on a pitch in Eden Gardens, known for its difficulty in batting. Rohit struck two sixes but was bowled by Rabada in the sixth over and caught by South African captain Tempa Bauma at mid-off. This brought Virat Kohli onto the field.

Shubman Gill was dismissed in the 11th over with the team's score at 93. Gill was clean bowled by Keshav Maharaj after scoring four fours and a six in 24 balls. Shreyas Iyer, who replaced Gill, continued his excellent form from the previous game, and Virat also joined in. India reached 100 runs in the 14th over, after which the scoring rate slowed down a bit. Virat and Shreyas put together a partnership of 134 runs, lasting until the 37th over.

After crossing 150 runs in 26 overs, India reached the 200-run mark in the 34th over. In the 37th over, Shreyas was caught by Markram off Ngidi, and the team's score was at 227. KL Rahul, who followed, could only manage eight runs from 17 balls. India reached 249/4 when Johnson dismissed Rahul in the 43rd over. Suryakumar Yadav, who came in later, attempted to increase the score with boundaries, while Virat cautiously approached his century. India reached 285 runs when Shamsi sent Surya back in the 46th over after scoring 22 runs, including five fours, in 14 balls. As Jadeja took the strike with Virat and the team reached 300 runs, Virat achieved a century, putting him on par with Sachin Tendulkar. Jadeja contributed 29 runs off 15 balls, including three fours and a six in the final overs, helping the team reach a total of 326.