CHENNAI // A free-flowing knock of 138 from Virat Kohli helped India register a 35-run victory over South Africa in the fourth one-day international to level the five-game series 2-2.
Kohli struck five sixes and six fours off 140 deliveries during his 23rd ODI century as India ran up a huge total of 299 for eight after electing to bat. South Africa captain AB de Villiers produced a sprightly 112 but the visiting team could only manage 264 for nine in reply.
Kohli got the big score he was looking for in ODIs as he set the game up mixing singles and twos with the boundaries. He got to his first three-figure score since his 107 in India’s opening World Cup game against Pakistan at Adelaide on February 15 with a six and continued to dominate.
He added 96 for the third wicket with Ajinkya Rahane (45) and 127 for the next wicket with left-hander Suresh Raina (53) as the home side made the most of the absence of South Africa pace bowler Morne Morkel and spinning all-rounder JP Duminy, who were ruled out due to injuries.
“I thought Virat batted exceedingly well,” India captain MS Dhoni said. “Everyone has scored runs in the series now so that’s good going into the last match at Mumbai.”
South Africa’s quest for the 300 target started strong with last-match centurion Quinton de Kock getting quick runs. However, the introduction of slow bowlers changed the tempo.
Experienced off-spinner Harbhajan Singh bottled up De Kock, who was out for 43 off 35, caught by Rahane at second slip. Harbhajan also trapped David Miller lbw for six to put the pressure on South Africa.
De Villiers had played the waiting game in the hope of a final onslaught which he did start with some lofted shots and reverse-sweeps. However, he edged one from Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 45th over to end South Africa’s hopes.
“It was a hard-fought game and I loved the way the boys fought till the end,” De Villiers said. “It was a pretty tough wicket to play on and Virat assessed the conditions very well early on.”
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