‘By far his best knock’: Kohli on Rohit’s match-winning century
Team India began their 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup journey with a comprehensive 6-wicket win over South Africa on Wednesday. Yuzvendra Chahal’s brilliant four-wicket haul coupled with Jasprit Bumrah’s terrific opening spell set the tone for India. Later, a patient century from opener Rohit Sharma sealed the game in India’s favour.
‘Top of the pile’ knock: Kohli
It was the perfect start for India, who came into the tournament on the back of a short break. With one of the most balanced squads among the 10 teams, India are touted to be strong contenders for the title. Speaking to the media in the post-match conference, an ecstatic Virat Kohli heaped heavy praises on the Man of the Match, calling it Rohit’s ‘best ODI innings by far’.
Kohli himself struggled to get going and was dismissed on 18 by Andile Phehlukwayo. A sensational diving catch from Quinton de Kock ensured South Africa got their biggest threat out of the way. But, it was Rohit who troubled them, more so after being dropped on 5 occasions. The right-hander played one of his most controlled knocks to take India over the line. It was his 23rd ODI hundred, 3rd against South Africa and 2nd in World Cups. Of the 23, 11 have come in a chase, while 9 have come in matches that India ended up winning.
Not a ‘typical Rohit Sharma innings’
Going into the second innings, the wicket offered plenty of bounce and movement to the South Africa seamers as well. Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris were taking full advantage of it, peppering the Indian batsmen with pace and bounce. After a tense initial passage of play that involved a few hits and misses and leading edges, Rohit could finally dig deep. With his partner Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli departing early, he had to let go of his natural game and play anchor instead. Which is why this was his slowest ODI hundred, a trait one doesn’t normally associate Rohit with.
Slice of luck
When it’s your day, even the universe can’t take it away. With the number of chances he got, Rohit Sharma could have bought a lottery ticket. Here’s how many times South Africa got ‘so close, yet so far’ from getting the all-important scalp.
Over 1.4 – a 140 kmph bouncer fired by Rabada, hits Rohit on the glove and goes up in the air towards long leg. Faf du Plessis at second slip runs in but drops the catch!
Over 11.2 – this one from Andile Phehlukwayo nips back in and traps Rohit deep inside the crease. South Africa think they have their man, but the umpire disagrees. They go for the review, but it’s clipping the top of leg stump. South Africa retain their review, but more importantly, Rohit survives!
Over 23.4 – oh, the agony! This one is a perfectly angled delivery from Chris Morris in the channel outside off stump. Rohit (obviously) has a poke at it and gets an edge, only to fall short of Hashim Amla at slip.
Over 32.1 – this was unexpected! Rohit on strike calls for a single after hitting it to square leg. The batsman at the other end is ‘fast legs’ MS Dhoni. Strange miscommunication and Rohit is halfway down the pitch. It could have been a run-out, but they eventually cross for a single.
Over 43.3 – David Miller goes for the reverse cup but fails miserably! South Africa can’t believe it, Miller can’t believe it. Rabada almost had his man. Rohit hits a short one up in the air and Miller fluffs it at cover.
