This win for India came against South Africa at Eden Gardens and was also marked by a remarkable feat for their star batter Virat Kohli as he contributed to the team’s victory by smashing a brilliant ton and equalling legendary Sachin Tendulkar‘s world record of 49 ODI centuries.
As the nation celebrated India’s win and Virat’s record feat, political leaders from across the spectrum also joined in to extend their congratulations to Team India and the Delhi-born cricketer.
Virat Kohli’s record century and India’s eighth consecutive win
India innings:
India’s journey to their eighth consecutive victory in the ODI World Cup was filled with thrilling moments. After being asked to bat first, the Indian innings began with a bang as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill took on the South African bowlers. However, when they departed, it was Virat who took charge. The maestro exhibited his class and experience, crafting a masterful innings that earned him his 49th ODI century, a record that tied him with the legendary Sachin.
Virat’s century, adorned with ten boundaries, was a sight to behold, not just for fans at Eden Gardens but for cricket enthusiasts around the world. Adding to India’s total, Shreyas Iyer played a pivotal role, contributing a crucial 77 runs to power India to a competitive total of 326/5. Interestingly, Virat’s phenomenal century came on his birthday, making it a double celebration for the Indian cricketing icon.
South Africa innings:
In response, South Africa faced the daunting task of chasing down 327 runs. Unfortunately for them, they struggled to build partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Although some batters showed promise, they couldn’t convert their starts into substantial scores. India’s bowlers were relentless, with Ravindra Jadeja emerging as the star, claiming five wickets for just 33 runs in his nine-over spell. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav also made crucial contributions with the ball, securing wickets that added to South Africa’s misery and guided India to victory.
Also READ: South Africa legend Herschelle Gibbs predicts the Player of the Tournament
Reactions of prominent Indian politicians to the victory
As the match concluded and India’s cricket fans revelled in their national team’s victory, several prominent politicians, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Smriti Irani, Akhilesh Yadav, Yogi Adityanath, took to social media to share their heartfelt congratulations.
Here’s how Indian politicians reacted:
Team INDIA on a roll
Congratulations to the Men in Blue for yet another emphatic victory.
And a truly special day for Virat, who has been superb throughout the tournament, to equal the ODI centuries record. #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/CPOdSZHXGD
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 5, 2023
…एक और 'विराट' विजय!
दक्षिण अफ्रीका के विरुद्ध भारत की अविस्मरणीय जीत आज बेहद खास है।
पूरी भारतीय क्रिकेट टीम का अभिनंदन! देश वासियों को हार्दिक बधाई!
जय हिंदpic.twitter.com/fXv0l7w65R
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 5, 2023
A Virat Victory!
Team India, you're beyond spectacular! 8th #WorldCup win in a row!@imVkohli's birthday century was the icing on the cake!
Many congratulations to him and the entire team for keeping our hearts racing with their unstoppable momentum. Let's bring it home!…
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) November 5, 2023
वर्ल्ड कप मैच में दक्षिण अफ़्रीका पर 243 रन की बड़ी और शानदार जीत की पूरी टीम इंडिया और सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। बस तीन जीत और, फिर विश्व कप हमारा होगा।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 5, 2023
The run and record machine of India!
Congratulations on yet another magnificent century and a very happy birthday too. @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/WbU2XsIOSP
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) November 5, 2023
Team India dominates South Africa in the World Cup 2023, securing a resounding victory by a substantial margin. The nation erupts in pride as our cricketing heroes march forward in the quest for glory. Keep shining Team India, bring the cup again… pic.twitter.com/p2hE0h5lzD
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 5, 2023
What a win!!!
Team Bharat
It was a 'boundary-blitz' as we 'bowled' South Africa over, leaving them 'stumped' and cheering our way to triumph!
From 'power-hitting' to 'spin-tacular' teamwork,… pic.twitter.com/Z9aZ3qVqVx
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) November 5, 2023
An electrifying performance by Team India, scoring an impressive 326/5.
Congratulations to the Indian… pic.twitter.com/LJFBhKP64Z
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 5, 2023
Also READ: Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting picks his best three players at ODI World Cup 2023
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