Who said what: World reacts to India's series-leveling win at Chennai
India took the ongoing 5-match ODI series against South Africa into the final match at Mumbai on Sunday clinching victory in the must-win 4th ODI at Chennai on Thursday. Chasing the target of 300 set by the hosts, South Africa, riding on AB de Villiers’ fighting century, came close but in the end fell short by 35 runs.
After skipper MS Dhoni won the all important toss for India, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane steadied the ship for the hosts after the early loss of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Kohli batted aggressively right from the onset and found able support from first Ajinkya Rahane and later, Suresh Raina. The 26-year-old notched up his 23rd ODI century and at one stage looked like guiding India to a score well beyond the 300-run mark.
However, brilliant bowling at the death overs by the likes of Steyn and Rabada pegged back the Indian scoring as they could only muster 69 runs from the final 10 overs. The failure to finish the innings on a high could have come back to haunt the hosts especially considering the manner in which De Kock started his innings. Riding on the confidence garnered after his century in the Rajkot ODI, he got South Africa off to a flyer.
Harbhajan Singh picked up his crucial wicket however and the spinners, with able assistance from the spin-friendly tracks, began to stifle the opposition and pick up crucial breakthroughs. De Villiers single-handedly took South Africa with a brilliant century but in the end it was not enough as the visitors fell short by 35 runs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, De Villiers said: "It will come down to the final game in Mumbai. Sometimes things don't go your way, but I loved the way the boys performed."
Dhoni praised the team’s batsman, especially Virat Kohli for posting a match-winning total batting first.
“The batting department did well, especially Virat. He did exceedingly well and the 30-40 runs after his 100 were really crucial,” Dhoni said. “It was an important win for us and we played well as a unit. It is really difficult to hit big shots off short balls. I shuffled the bowlers well.”
Kohli was delighted that his effort ended up being a match-winning one.
“My priority is to score a century and ensure the team wins. That is why I love to chase. My heart was in my mouth when AB was playing. He can play any shot in the book. He is a humble guy. When AB starts cramping, you realise how hot it is. It was all about putting 110 percent.”
The cricket fraternity made their reactions on the match through social media with the focus understandably being on the brilliant knocks by Kohli and De Villiers.
Aakash Chopra:
VVS Laxman:
Anil Kumble:
Kris Srikkanth:
Harsha Bhogle: