Kohli's ton helps India win the 3rd ODI against SA


"Run Machine" is what people call him and Indian skipper proves once again by showing his batting masterclass which lead India to a 124 run victory over South Africa in 3rd ODI at Newlands. Kohli scored an unbeaten 160 runs in just 159 balls which consisted of 12 fours and 2 sixes. It was his 34th ODI ton and his 4th in the last six ODIs, which showed the good form he is in. His 12th ton as Indian skipper, (which is a record now where he surpassed Sourav Ganguly's record of 11) helped India impose a score of 303/6 in the third ODI against the Proteas at Newlands.

Without a doubt, it was one of the best innings he have played in ODIs. Apart from the 140 run stand for second wicket with Dhawan, he did not get proper support from other batsmen and falling of wickets at other end, decelerated his rate else with India gushing 160-2 at one point in 28th over and Kohli at 70 not out, everyone was expecting a double hundred from the skipper. Kohli, then completed his 34th ton in the 40th over with his signature style celebration of keeping arms aloft and helmet off, Virat Kohli was applauded by the crowd once again in the series. Interestingly, his 34th ton came in his 205th game whereas Tendulkar's 34th ton came in his 307th match and Kohli was nearing 30 while scoring his 34th just like Sachin.

Kohli celebrating his 34th ton in the 3rd ODI against South Africa at Newslands on Wednesday.

After the match Kohli said "I was pleased from that point of view that I was able to bat through because I was struggling with a bit of cramp around the 90s. Then wickets kept falling, I decided to hit out, because I thought I might not have enough energy left."

Indian Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar praised Kohli via twitter by tweeting "Stepping out on the field and scoring centuries has become a regularity for @imVkohli. Congratulations on your 34th ODI ton! Keep the runs flowing always." , top commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted " Amidst the runs that Virat Kohli scores, don't lose sight of his incredible fitness. His boundary percentage is quite low which means he runs a lot between wickets. And still has an excellent strike rate."

On the chase, the Proteas lost their first wicket of Amla with just one run on board and Bumrah once again the one who provided his wicket. It was the fourth time Amla has been dismissed by Bumrah and three have been leg before wicket. Bumrah's strengths and Amla's weakness have worked well for India again in the series. Innings top scorer for South Africa, Duminy and skipper Markram fired a 78 run stand for second wicket and the Proteas were back in contest. Kohli then introduced the reliable spinners and Kuldeep Yadav right away provided the breakthrough by dismissing the South African captain for 32 and the rest of the team were bowled out for a total of 179 with just 10 overs to spare. Despite South Africa's extra effort in nets to fight the wrist spin, they failed again to the Indian spinners, who were having a great time at South Africa where both shared 8 wickets among themselves in the match and 21 in the series, so far.

Another highlight from the match was Dhoni's 400th dismissal in ODI cricket. He has taken 94 catches and 106 stumpings and he currently holds the 4th position overall behind Sangakkara (482), Gilchrist (472), Boucher(424). Proteas captain, Aiden Markram was the 400th victim of the 36yr old Indian wicketkeeper which turned out to be the turning point of the match.

India now leads the bilateral series in South Africa with 3-0 and with three more matches remaining in the series India looks to seal the series by winning the fourth ODI in Johannesberg on Saturday.

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