(Image Source: Disney+ Hotstar)
[Saba Sports News] Amidst the excitement of Virat Kohli’s birthday, BCCI Chief Roger Binny and Team India head coach Rahul Dravid rang the bell at Eden Gardens in Kolkata to mark the beginning of the ODI World Cup 2023 match between India and South Africa.While South Africa had been in impressive form in the tournament, India remained undefeated.
Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat, and he and Shubman Gill provided a strong start. Despite Sharma’s early dismissal by Kagiso Rabada, he scored a quick 40 runs off 24 balls with six boundaries and two sixes. By the time Rohit was caught, India had already posted 62 runs in the first six overs.
In terms of team compositions, India fielded the same XI as against New Zealand, while South Africa decided to play two spinners, including Tabraiz Shamsi. Faf du Plessis, the former Protea captain, expressed uncertainty about this decision.
In the ODI World Cup points table, India remained undefeated with seven consecutive wins, while South Africa won seven games, with an upset loss to the Netherlands in Dharamsala. Interestingly, India’s only loss in the last edition of the ODI World Cup in 2011 was against South Africa, who were the hosts.