xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: In yet another dominant display, Indian cricket team extended their winning streak to eight matches in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 by thumping South Africa by 243 runs at Eden Gardens on Sunday. This victory marked India's eighth consecutive win, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

Ravindra Jadeja was the star of the match, taking a remarkable five-wicket haul (9-1-33-5) as India decimated South Africa. The Proteas' batting lineup struggled, with early wickets falling, and they could only manage a paltry 83 runs before getting bowled out in 27.1 overs.

Virat Kohli played a pivotal role by hitting his 49th ODI century (101* off 121balls), equalling Sachin Tendulkar's record. He, along with Shreyas Iyer (77 off 87), shared a 134-run partnership, guiding India to a substantial total of 326 for five.

Rohit Sharma provided a solid start, contributing a quick 40 runs, but South Africa managed to make inroads, pegging India back to 105 for two after 15 overs. The Proteas made one change in their playing XI, opting for an extra spinner.

India's remarkable run in the World Cup continued, and they were the first team to officially qualify for the knockout stages, maintaining their unbeaten record in all seven matches played. However, the team received the unfortunate news of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's absence from the tournament due to an ankle injury.

South Africa had also been performing well, with the opening pair of Quinton de Kock and captain Temba Bavuma laying a solid foundation for their team's success. It promised an exciting clash between the two top teams in the ICC World Cup 2023 Points Table. But in the end it turned out to be a one-sided affair.