Ranchi: In a spectacular display of batting and bowling, India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at Ranchi, taking a 1-0 lead. The victory was powered by Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century and a crucial late four from left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Batting first, India posted a massive 349/8 in 50 overs, thanks to Kohli’s 135 runs off 120 balls, including 7 sixes and 11 fours. Opener Rohit Sharma contributed 57 while captain KL Rahul added 60, forming key partnerships that propelled India to a commanding total. Kohli reached his century with a stylish cover shot, marking his third ODI hundred in Ranchi. Chief coach Gautam Gambhir warmly congratulated him on the milestone.
Chasing 350, South Africa started strong with Matthew Britzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70) forming a 97-run sixth-wicket partnership. However, Kuldeep Yadav (4/68) weaved a web of spin, and pace spearheads Harshit Rana (3/65), Arshdeep Singh (2/64), and Prasidh Krishna (1/48) shared six wickets to restrict the visitors to 332 in 49.2 overs. Despite Corbin Bosch’s late 67-run blitz, India held firm and clinched the high-scoring encounter.
Kohli was named Man of the Match, highlighting yet again the dominance of the Rohit-Virat duo in ODI cricket. This victory showcased India’s depth in both batting and bowling, setting the tone for the remainder of the series.
