Virat Kohli modest after India take 3-0 lead vs SA, ‘6-0 is far-fetched I think’

Hindustan Times, Cape Town | ByHT Correspondent

Feb 08, 2018 01:03 PM IST

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Virat Kohli says his team will take one match at a time after India took a 3-0 lead in the six-game series against South Africa in Cape Town on Wednesday.

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. (3rd ODI HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD)

Indian appeal for a wicket during the third ODI against South Africa in Cape Town on Wednesday (Feb 7, 2018). India won by 124 runs to take a 3-0 lead in the six-match series. Virat Kohli scored his 34th ODI century.(AP)

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.

Virat Kohli celebrates his 34th ODI century at Newlands in Cape Town on Wednesday. (REUTERS)

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.

Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Virat Kohli for his brilliant century at Cape Town on Wednesday. (Twitter)

“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.

India's players celebrate winning the third ODI at Newlands Stadium on February 7, 2018, in Cape Town. (AFP)

“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.

(With inputs from Omnisport)

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