Ranchi, (UNI) A spectacle unfolded at the JSCA International Stadium Complex as India and South Africa delivered an absolute rollercoaster of a contest in the first ODI of the series. Electing to bat first, India’s top order set the tone, but it was the masterclass from Virat Kohli that stole the show.
Kohli, as he always does, took charge with authority, scoring 135 runs off 120 balls, 11 boundaries, seven sixes, timing everything to perfection, striking with elegance and audacity in equal measure.
There were drives that pierced the covers like lasers, lofted shots that cleared the ropes with ease, and that trademark calmness under pressure that only Kohli can carry. He reached his 52nd ODI hundred with the kind of rhythm that makes fans sit back and say, “Yes, this is why he’s one of the greats.”
Rohit Sharma was sublime too, playing a beautiful 57 with five boundaries and three massive sixes, breaking Shahid Afridi’s record for most sixes in ODIs in the process.
KL Rahul lent stability with a patient 60, using clever footwork and daring reverse-scoops to manipulate the field, while Ravindra Jadeja provided the late fireworks with 32 off just 20 deliveries. And let’s not forget the quick contributions from Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana, ensuring India ended at a formidable 349 for 8.
Then came the South African reply, and voila, did the Indian bowlers make life difficult for them. From the word go, wickets tumbled – Ryan Rickelton bowled by Harshit Rana for a duck, Quinton de Kock edging to KL Rahul for zero, and Aiden Markram (7) caught at cover.
South Africa’s middle order tried to fight back. Marco Jansen attacked with pure firepower, 70 off 39 balls with sixes flying over long-on and fine leg. Mathew Breetzke (72 of 80) and Corbin Bosch (67 off 51) joined the assault, hitting big and finding gaps. But India’s fielders and bowlers refused to give them an inch.
Kuldeep Yadav was a magician with the ball—taking four crucial wickets, keeping the pressure relentless. Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna complemented him perfectly, picking up key dismissals and ensuring that South Africa never fully recovered.
Even Bosch’s late surge of sixes couldn’t save the day, caught spectacularly by Rohit Sharma off Prasidh Krishna in the penultimate over, and India had done enough. South Africa eventually fell short by 17 runs, finishing 332 all out.
This was a match that had everything – big hitting, classy strokeplay, nerve-wracking moments in the field, and brilliant tactical nous from the Indian camp.
Kohli’s masterclass, Rohit’s record-breaking fireworks, and Kuldeep’s incisive bowling were the difference. India walked away with a thrilling 1-0 lead in the three-match series, and if this is any indication, the fans are in for a sensational ODI series ahead.
India 349-8 (Virat Kohli 135, KL Rahul 60, Rohit Sharma 57; Marco Jansen 2-76, Nandre Burger 2-65), South Africa 332 all out (Mathew Breetzke 72, Jansen 70, Corbin Bosch 67; Kuldeep 4-68, Harshit Rana 3-65), India won by 17 runs.
Kohli’s 135 leads India to 1st ODI win over SA
