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[Saba Sports News] Virat Kohli, India’s cricket maestro, celebrated his 35th birthday in style by notching his 49th One Day International (ODI) century during the match against South Africa. Snehasish Ganguly, the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), added a touch of elegance to the occasion by presenting Kohli with a gold-plated bat reminiscent of Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic collection.
The memorable moment took place at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where enthusiastic fans gathered to support their cricketing hero. Kohli lived up to the hype, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. The presentation of the meticulously crafted gold-plated bat by the CAB president further elevated the celebration. The bat featured a heartfelt birthday message, including the words, ‘Happy Birthday Virat. You are a symbol of dedication and a living proof that age is just a number.’
This gesture highlighted the deep respect and admiration between Kohli and the CAB. Following the presentation, Kohli celebrated with fans and teammates, cutting a grand birthday cake adorned with a statue of himself, set on a sumptuous dark chocolate base with blue icing.
In the ODI World Cup 2023 match against South Africa, Kohli displayed his batting brilliance by scoring an unbeaten 101 runs from 121 balls. This performance equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. His partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 77 runs, propelled India to a formidable total of 326 for five.
India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (5/33), Mohammed Shami (2/18), and Kuldeep Yadav (2/7), showcased their excellence by dismissing South Africa for just 83 runs in 27.1 overs. Kohli rightfully earned the Player of the Match title. Expressing his joy at continuing to play the sport he loves, he emphasized that the pleasure of playing cricket remains his top priority.