Shubman Gill was quiet, observing his skipper Rohit Sharma in full flow as unbeaten India started their eighth match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on an ominous note. Rohit, who won the toss and opted to bat first at Eden Gardens, Kolkata -- probably hinting at things to come [Read: Virat Kohli's birthday] -- hit six fours and two sixes in 24 balls for a quickfire 40. Then, Kagiso Rabada got the better of him, caught at mid-off by his rival number, Temba Bavuma. And that, in a way, allowed Gill to assume the attacking role. (IND Vs RSA Blog | Scorecard | Full Coverage)
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Five balls later, off the fourth of seventh, the class of Shubman Gill was on full display as India's anointed 'prince' lofted Marco Jansen -- one bowler to take wickets in the powerplay of every match he has played -- for a clean six, over mid on. Considering everything -- the execution, little glance in the follow-through, and Virat Kohli's reaction, least from a vantage seat -- the shot screams of class.
Watch it here:
Two-time champions India entered the match as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, seven in seven; and the Proteas, still chasing a maiden world title, are expected to give them a tough challenge. At the time of filing the report, India were 93/2 in 10.3 overs with Gill the last man to get out. He was undone by a beauty from Keshav Maharaj -- beaten in the flight and the ball clipping the top of off stump. A dream delivery for any bowler.
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Both India and South Africa have qualified for the semi-finals.
