Virat Kohli century help India to lead over South Africa

Virat Kohli century help India to lead over South Africa 

Needing to mount the highest successful run chase at the ground, South Africa fell woefully short and were bowled out for 179 as spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav took 4-46 and 4-23 respectively.

Kohli hit his second century of the series and the 34th ODI to take his tally to 318 runs in three matches, having only been dismissed once.

It could have been different, though. He was given out leg before wicket to Kagiso Rabada before he had scored. Umpire Ian Gould had to overturn his decision when an ultra-edge replay showed a spike as the ball passed the bat.

"I didn't start off that well but it is another pleasing day individually and as a team," said Kohli, who said he was struggling with cramp when he was on about 95. "There are times when you are tested and it is pleasing to go through it and do well."

Kohli took a relatively sedate 119 balls to reach three figures, hitting only seven fours, but added another five fours and two sixes off 40 more balls in a blazing finish to the innings.

He was content to play the supporting role in a second-wicket stand of 140 with Shikhar Dhawan, who pounded 12 fours in making 76 off 63 balls.

South Africa, already without three leading batsmen through injury, lost Hashim Amla leg before to Jasprit Bumrah in the second over. Markram and JP Duminy put on 78 for the second wicket before Markram was deceived by Yadav's second ball and was stumped to start a slide from which the hosts could not recover.

"We can't lose the series so that is a huge boost for the team," said Kohli. "Now we want to increase our intensity even more to close that door."

Source: skysports.com