If you google the word ‘clinical’ today, there's every chance the search results will redirect you to the ‘Indian cricket team in Cricket World Cup 2023’.

Led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue imposed a 243-run crushing defeat over South Africa to match their 2003 record of eight consecutive wins in a single ODI World Cup edition.

India batted first and churned out a score of 326/5 on a pitch deemed tricky to yield runs effectively. Virat Kohli (101*), Shreyas Iyer (77) and Rohit Sharma (40) were the engineers of a fine batting performance in front of a jam-packed audience at the Eden Gardens.

And to repay the faith shown by the Indian faithful, the hosts bundled out South Africa’s free-scoring batting order for a mere 83 runs in less than 30 overs. Ravindra Jadeja (5/33) led the firing squad and was supported in strength by Kuldeep Yadav (2/7) and Mohammed Shami (2/18). Let's say it again, another day, another rout!

Here are the highlights of the tantalising encounter.

Captain RO, Gill anchor India’s solid headstart

Give some room to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, and it is evident that punishment with the bat is on the cards. The openers stitched a 62-run partnership up top, with the Hitman lifting the shutters with a solid cameo of 40 runs off 24 balls (six fours and two sixes).

Gill, meanwhile, contributed four boundaries and a six in his 24-ball 23 until he was dismissed with a wonder delivery from Keshav Maharaj. India ended their powerplay at 91/1 after ten overs.

Virat Kohli matches Sachin Tendulkar as ODI Royalty

Virat Kohli celebrates his birthday today (November 5), and he marked it with a record-equalling 49th ODI century. If it wasn’t sheer coincidence, Kohli hit his landmark knock at the venue where he notched his maiden triple-figure score in the 50 overs format in 2009.

On his way to the unbeaten 101 off 121, Virat was ably supported by Shreyas Iyer (77), Ravindra Jadeja (29*) and Suryakumar Yadav (22). Collectively, their efforts elevated India to a competitive score of 326/5.

Avalanche detected!

Over 1.4: 6/1

Over 8.3: 22/2

Over 9.5: 35/3

Over 12.5: 40/4

Over 13.1: 40/5

Over 16.3: 59/6

Over 18.4: 67/7

Over 25.4: 79/8

Over 26.2: 79/9

Over 27.1: 83 all out

South Africa had no room to counter-attack India’s bowling onslaught. Mohammed Siraj (1/11 in four overs) opened the floodgates, and then Mohammed Shami laid a foundation with his two-wicket haul (2/18 in four overs). Jasprit Bumrah, despite not taking a wicket, exerted pressure on the Proteas with his tight spell of 0/14 in five overs.

But then came Ravindra Jadeja, the second Indian spinner after Yuvraj Singh (5/31 vs Ireland, 2011) to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup. Jaddu finished with match figures of 5/33 in nine overs. His spin partner - Kuldeep Yadav - wasn’t far behind as he grabbed two wickets for just seven runs in 5.1 overs.

Right then, phew, our bowlers are spoiling us bug time with these quick finishes. And we aren't complaining; any excuse to start our pre-Diwali celebrations!

Brief scores: India 326/5 (Virat Kohli 101*, Shreyas Iyer 77; Keshav Maharaj 1/30) BEAT South Africa 83 (Marco Jansen 14, Rassie van der Dussen 13; Ravindra Jadeja 5/33, Kuldeep Yadav 2/7, Mohammed Shami 2/18) by 243 runs.