India vs South Africa: Captain Virat Kohli termed first-ever series win against Proteas as 'collective effort'

India clinched their maiden ODI series win on South African soil, taking an unbeatable 4-1 lead after outclassing the hosts by 73 runs in the fifth One-Day International (ODI) at the St. George's Park

IANS, Feb,14 2018

Port Elizabeth: India skipper Virat Kohli termed the fifth One Day International (ODI) win against South Africa as a "collective effort"

India clinched their maiden ODI series win on South African soil, taking an unbeatable 4-1 lead after outclassing the hosts by 73 runs in the fifth One-Day International (ODI) at the St. George's Park on Tuesday.

India captain Virat Kohli (R) celebrates after bowler Hardik Pandya (unseen) dismissed South Africa batsman JP Duminy (unseen) during the fifth One Day International cricket match between South Africa and India at Saint George Park, in Port Elizabeth, on February 13, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MARCO LONGARI

Virat Kohli has not lost a bilateral series since he has become a full time captain. AFP

Opener Rohit Sharma led the tourists, striking his 17th ODI century before chinaman Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 4/51 to bowl the Proteas out for 201, in their chase of 274.

"It's been a collective effort to create history. When three guys at the top are being consistent, the guys who get an opportunity every now and then might not click," Kohli was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council website.

"I'm very pleased, it was another complete performance from us.

"They had the pressure of losing this series and we knew that. It's history and the guys have worked hard for it. Ever since the third Test in Johannesburg, it's been a good time for us," he added.

Kohli said that the team management would also like to make a few changes in the playing XI on Friday as they have already clinched the series.

"After this series is wrapped up we'll sit down and think about where to improve. For now, 4-1 feels great. We want to win 5-1, for sure, but there might be a scenario for a few more guys to get a chance in the next match. But the ultimate priority is to win and we'll do anything we can to win," the Delhi batsman said.

Published Date: Feb 14, 2018 | Updated Date: Feb 14, 2018




Rank Team Points Rating
1 India 5313 121
2 South Africa 4484 115
3 Australia 4174 104
4 New Zealand 3489 100
5 England 4829 99
6 Sri Lanka 4374 95
Rank Team Points Rating
1 India 7426 122
2 South Africa 6839 118
3 England 6871 116
4 New Zealand 6550 115
5 Australia 6376 112
6 Pakistan 4877 96
Rank Team Points Rating
1 Pakistan 3272 126
2 New Zealand 2807 122
3 India 3385 121
4 Australia 2173 121
5 West Indies 2538 115
6 South Africa 2238 112