Virat Kohli's splendid century, combined with a bowling performance by India, propelled the hosts to a resounding 243-run victory. India secured their place at the top of the league standings for the second consecutive World Cup.
Kohli's century, which puts him on par with Sachin Tendulkar in terms of ODI centuries, set the stage for India's total of 326. The Indian skipper joined Rohit Sharma in an opening partnership. It promoted India to a remarkable 91-run PowerPlay. Kohli's explosive start, scoring 40 off 24 balls, provided the impetus for India's innings. Shubman Gill also contributed to the early fireworks as boundaries flowed from both ends.
The introduction of spin by South Africa changed the game's complexion. Keshav Maharaj produced a magical delivery that outfoxed Gill. It pitched on leg stump and spinned past his attempted forward defense to hit the top of off. With the pitch offering significant turn, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer had to focus on accumulating singles during the middle overs.
Iyer and Kohli both reached their fifties, with Iyer quickening the scoring rate after stagnation. Despite Iyer's enterprising knock, he was dismissed for 77 when he miscued a lofted shot off Lungi Ngidi. KL Rahul, batting alongside Kohli, found it challenging to maintain fluency.
Kohli persisted at one end, manipulating the gaps and running hard between the wickets. He was supported by cameos from Suryakumar Yadav (22 off 14) and Ravindra Jadeja (29* off 15). Kohli reached his century off the 119th ball he faced. Though it was one of his slower centuries in the format, the late flourish ensured that India set a daunting target for South Africa.
In the chase of 326, South Africa's opening batsman Quinton de Kock, who had been prolific in the tournament, lasted ten balls. After that, he was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah maintained their accuracy. On the other hand, the South African batsmen struggled to disrupt their lengths.
Ravindra Jadeja's input on a spin-friendly pitch made matters even more challenging for South Africa. His third delivery spun past Temba Bavuma's forward defense, hitting the top of off, and South Africa's wickets began to tumble. Mohammed Shami contributed with key wickets, including that of Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen.
Jadeja continued to wreak havoc as he claimed the wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. Both of these players attempted and failed with the sweep shot. Keshav Maharaj was clean bowled, and Kagiso Rabada handed Jadeja his second ODI five-wicket haul.
South Africa's pursuit crumbled, and the match was sealed by Kuldeep Yadav's two wickets. The South African team was outplayed, and India's dominant performance assured them of the top spot in the World Cup league standings.
The victory continued India's pace in the tournament, with near-capacity crowds at the Eden Gardens witnessing another compelling performance.
India's excellence set them on course for a potential 100% record in the league phase. South Africa, on the other hand, had a tough day. They were outclassed in all aspects of the game.
Brief scores: India 326/5 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 101*, Shreyas Iyer 77; Keshav Maharaj 1-30) beat South Africa 83 in 27.1 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 5-33, Mohammed Shami 2-18, Kuldeep Yadav 2-7) by 243 runs.