Virat settles the score as India level ODI series 2-2 against South Africa

CHENNAI: On a day when India's Virat Kohli (138, 6x4, 5x6) rung in his 23rd ODI hundred, AB de Villiers (112, 10x4, 2x6) threatened to spoil his party with a blistering 22nd ton that kept South Africa in pursuit of 300 in the fourth ODI on Thursday. But once AB was dismissed in the 45th over of the chase, courtesy a low catch by skipper MS Dhoni off Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-68), the lights went off South Africa's innings as they fell short by 35 runs, ending up at 264-9, as India levelled the series 2-2.
South Africa began poorly, losing Hashim Amla (7) early before Quinton de Kock (43, 6x4, 1x6) and No. 3 Faf du Plessis (17, 1x4) added 31 for the second wicket to place the side at 61 for 1 after 9 overs. The introduction of spin in the form of Harbhajan Singh (2-50) and Axar Patel (1-40), somewhat expectedly, brought India back in the hunt. The slow bowlers accounted for Faf, de Kock and David Miller (6) as South Africa slipped to 88 for 4 in 18 overs.
AB and Farhaan Behardien then kicked off the rescue act, providing the spark which was missing in the chase. The two added 56 for the fifth wicket before Behardien was trapped leg-b efore by Amit Mishra (1-55). AB looked in ominous touch, not letting go a single opportunity to fetch runs. With Chris Morris (9, 1x4) for company, AB reduced the deficit to 115 runs from 12 overs before the former was run out, courtesy a mix-up and Ajinkya Rahane hitting the stumps at the non-striker's end.
AB wasn't done yet, though. He kept Proteas' hopes alive but once the skipper departed, it was game over.
Earlier in the day, Kohli shone with his 140-ball essay as India finished at 299-8. Aided by handy contributions from Suresh Raina (53, 3x4, 1x6) and Ajinkya Rahane (45, 4x4), Kohli tore apart the South African attack with a fluent innings. His innings was laced with those trademark flicks, neat strokemaking and purposeful running between wickets. Walking in at the fall of Rohit Sharma (21, 4x4), Kohli was in command from the word go. A flick towards long leg got him off the mark.
Kohli was particularly severe on the slow bowlers. While leg-spinner Imran Tahir (0-58) was taken for 43 runs off 34 deliveries, Kohli milked 34 runs from 28 balls off left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso (0-51). In the company of Rahane, Kohli got 104 in 18.4 overs for the third wicket that gave India the momentum. While Kohli employed a heady mix of deft touches and neat stroke-making, Rahane was happy to play the second fiddle.
When Rahane was dismissed, caught by wicketkeeper de Kock off Dale Steyn (3-61), it was the turn of Raina to give Kohli company. Raina, who has essayed many a memorable knock here for the Chennai Super Kings, played yet another. The 127-run stand in 18.4 overs gave India hopes of a 300-plus total. But SA pulled things back as India managed just 18 runs in the last four overs, losing four wickets.