An abject batting collapse cost India its World Cup Group ‘B' match against South Africa at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Saturday.
Sachin Tendulkar made a sparkling 101-ball 111 — his 48th century in ODIs and 99th in international cricket — but India failed to capitalise, sliding dramatically from 267 for one to 296 all out.
South Africa completed a three-wicket win with two balls to spare in a thrilling finish. Hashim Amla (61), Jacques Kallis (69), and A.B. de Villiers (52) contributed half-centuries before cameos from Francois du Plessis (25 n.o.), Johan Botha (23), and Robin Peterson (18 n.o.) saw the side home.
India remained at the top of Group ‘B' with seven points from five games. South Africa is in third place with six points from four games.
Tendulkar had earlier delighted the crowd, raising 142 for the opening wicket with Virender Sehwag (73) and 125 for the second wicket with Gautam Gambhir (69). The Indian maestro struck eight fours and three sixes in his second century of the tournament, his sixth in World Cup cricket.
But India, which seemed poised to make more than 350, lost its way.
Four wickets fell in the batting Power Play, which was taken after 38 overs with India on 253 for one. Morne Morkel had Tendulkar caught in the 40th over before Dale Steyn, who went for 24 runs in his first three overs, removed Gambhir and Yusuf Pathan in the 41st. Kallis claimed Yuvraj Singh off the last ball of the 43rd over, bringing to an end the left-hander's string of half-centuries.
Neither Virat Kohli nor the lower-order could stay with captain M.S. Dhoni. Steyn wrapped up the innings to finish with figures of five for 50.