ODI World Cup 2023: Eden Gardens ecstatic as Virat Kohli celebrates 49th ODI ton

Ace India batter Virat Kohli, scored his 49th ODI century during his side's clash against South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 5, Sunday. Bringing up his ton off 119 deliveries, with the help of ten boundaries, Kohli celebrated his century in a unique way.

The right-handed batter, who turned 35 today, leveled up with legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar with his century. The Delhi-born cricketer achieved the feat from 289 matches.

Also ChecK: Most Runs in World Cup 2023

Watch Virat Kohli's celebration:

Finally The Moment has Come !!#GOAT#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/L8F5nT9QXo

— त्रिवेन्द्र कुमार धवन (नि:शब्द)~tk dhawan🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@Dhawan_Tk) November 5, 2023

Iyer and Kohli’s knock helps India post 326 in 50 overs

Speaking about the high-octane clash in Kolkata, India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. The Men in Blue got off to a flying start, with Rohit and Shubman Gill taking the charge, stitching a 62-run stand. However, Kagiso Rabada provided a much-needed breakthrough for South Africa as he got the India captain for 40 runs in the penultimate ball of the sixth over.

In the eleventh over, Keshav Maharaj provided another breakthrough for the Proteas as he sent Subman Gill back to the pavilion, with the young opener scoring only 23 off 24 deliveries. Later, Virat Kohli led the charge along with Shreyas Iyer and stitched a crucial partnership for the third wicket.

Shreyas Iyer showcased his batting prowess, scoring a half-century for the second consecutive time. However, he was removed by Lungi Ngidi in the 37th over, with Aiden Markram taking a brilliant catch with India at 227/3. The middle-order batter went back after a well-made 77 off 87 deliveries, including seven boundaries and two maximums. Later Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi provided a sigh of relief for the Proteas, dismissing KL Rahul (8) and Suryakumar Yadav (22), respectively. 

However, Kohli stood firm and brought up his second century in the tournament in the 49th over. The 35-year-old scored an unbeaten 101 (121), including ten fours. Ravindra Jadeja also played a significant knock of 29* of 15 deliveries as the hosts went on to post a mammoth 326 runs.