CAPE TOWN: Virat Kohli and India’s spinners hammered South Africa again on Wednesday in the latest episode of a one-sided ODI series, winning the third game by 124 runs to go 3-0 up with three to play.
Kohli was colossal to make 160 not out from 159 balls — his second century of the series — and lead India to 303-6 after South Africa put the tourists in to bat.
In a repeat of the first two games, South Africa couldn’t deal with India spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who took eight wickets between them at Newlands as the home team was bundled out for 179 in 40 overs.
South Africa started the series as the No. 1 ODI team in the world and India No. 2 but those positions have been quickly reversed.
India came to South Africa on a compelling run of one-day form following eight successive series victories but even that didn’t indicate how dominant it would be in the first three games.
South Africa had won 17 straight ODI games at home before losing to India by six wickets and then nine wickets in the first two matches.
Wednesday’s performance was even more compelling by India.
Kohli came to the crease at the end of the first over and again dominated his team’s total with a brilliant one-day innings. Shikhar Dhawan’s 76 in a 140-run partnership for the second wicket was also a significant part of the Indian effort.
India captain Kohli, though, has been in consistently outstanding form on tour in South Africa, and his century was his second in the three one-day games against South Africa and his third in his last four ODIs.
He made 112 and 46 not out in the first two games of this series. Kohli hit 12 fours and two sixes in this one, finishing the innings with a big six over midwicket and a thumping four down the ground from the final two balls. Those boundaries took India past 300 and improved Kohli’s strike rate to better than a run a ball.
South Africa had pulled it back at Newlands after Dhawan was out to a diving catch by stand-in skipper Aiden Markram off spinner JP Duminy (2-60) to break India’s best partnership.
Prompted by that breakthrough, South Africa took five wickets for 96 runs to slow what was an Indian onslaught when Kohli and Dhawan were together.
India finished strongly, though, led of course by Kohli. He combined with Bhuvneshwar Kumar for an unbeaten 67-run partnership off 44 balls. Kohli made 43 of those runs from just 25 deliveries in India’s last stand.
Virat Kohli colossal again as India smash South Africa in Cape Town
Virat Kohli colossal again as India smash South Africa in Cape Town
Chelsea, Aston Villa held in blow to Champions League hopes
- The Blues climb into the Premier League’s top four only on goal difference
- Villa defied the odds to keep pace with Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race
LONDON: Chelsea’s chances of Champions League qualification were dented as Burnley snatched a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, while Aston Villa also struck late to salvage a point against Leeds on Saturday.
The Blues climb into the Premier League’s top four only on goal difference after they paid for failing to build on Joao Pedro’s fourth-minute opener.
Chelsea were dominant until Wesley Fofana was sent off with 18 minutes remaining for a second yellow card.
Burnley took full advantage as Zian Flemming headed in from a corner in the 93rd minute to keep their slim hopes of survival alive.
The Clarets edge to within eight points of safety.
Villa defied the odds to keep pace with Arsenal and Manchester City in the title race until recent weeks, but a 1-1 draw continued their poor run at Villa Park.
Anton Stach’s spectacular free-kick from fully 40 yards (37 meters) at an angle caught out Emi Martinez at his near post to give Leeds the advantage.
Daniel Farke’s men have lost just twice in their last 16 games to relieve their fears of being dragged into a battle for survival.
But Tammy Abraham then snatched a point for Villa two minutes from time.
Five Premier League sides are set to qualify for next season’s Champions League thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competition this season.
But Liverpool and Manchester United have the chance to close in when they face Nottingham Forest and Everton in the coming days.
James Milner set a new record of 654 Premier League appearances in Brighton’s 2-0 win at Brentford.
The 40-year-old started for the Seagulls as they secured a first win in seven games to ease the pressure on boss Fabian Hurzeler.
Diego Gomez drilled in the opening goal for the visitors after Ferdi Kadioglu’s stunning strike came back off the bar.
Danny Welbeck then pounced on some slack Brentford defending to double Brighton’s lead just before half-time.
Manchester City can close to within two points of leaders Arsenal when they host Newcastle in Saturday’s 2000GMT kick-off.
The Gunners have breathed new life into City’s title challenge with disappointing draws at Brentford and Wolves since Pep Guardiola’s men last played in the Premier League.
Arsenal are in action on Sunday when they travel to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby.
