60? Modest Kohli says it’s farfetched
SWEEP BECKONS? 30 up, strategy going forward is going to be ‘one match at a time’
CAPETOWN: Virat Kohli produced a virtuoso hundred as India comfortably triumphed by 124 runs in the third one-day international against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. India skipper Kohli scored an unbeaten 160 off 159 balls for his 34th ODI ton – leaving him just 15 shy of matching Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record – as the visitors took a 3-0 lead in the six-game series. Can India win six-nil? “You know, it’s quite a far fetched thing I think. There are still three games to go in the series and we just want to play like we have played until now. Maybe have more intensity in the next game to close the series out,” said a modest Kohli in a post-match chat on Wednesday.
“The biggest positive out of today is that with three nil up there is no way we can lose this series now, and that is certainly something that even lifts the team even much more.
“Compared to the mood in the first three games, we’ll have more intensity and more passion when we step out for the fourth game. Six games is too far fetched, we want to focus on one at a time and make sure that we do these things consistently well to be able to be in a position to win again,” said Kohli.The 29-year-old Kohli displayed magnificent placement as he racked up 14 boundaries, including two maximums, in fine fashion as India posted a commanding total of 303-6.
“Every hundred is obviously very special. You know international runs are never easy ... with their (South Africa) kind of attack and the pace and bounce they were getting initially, you had to adjust your game,” said Kohli.
“It was pleasing from the point of view that you know we want someone to bat through the innings and I was able to do that today. We could get to 300-plus compared to 275-plus and that is psychologically obviously a big pressure on the opposition knowing that we have those two spinners as well. “Amazing things can happen when you’re thinking team all the time. You know you can push your body beyond limits. I experienced that today and that was an amazing feeling. I’m really happy for the team.”
South Africa have struggled against spin in this series and that theme continued as Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal claimed four wickets apiece.The Proteas never looked in contention after the removal of JP Duminy (51) and lost their last five wickets for 29 runs as they were skittled for 179, meaning they must win in Johannesburg in to keep hopes of sharing the series alive.
Six games is too far fetched, we want to focus on one at a time and make sure that we do these things consistently well to be able to be in a position to win again VIRAT KOHLI, India captain