Virat Kohli century powers India to 1-0 lead against South Africa

India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI at Ranchi. Virat Kohli’s century, Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking knock, and Kuldeep Yadav’s four wickets powered India to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series

Ranchi: India survived a scare and sailed past South Africa in a closely fought encounter to grab a 17-run victory in the first ODI and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

India put up a commanding first innings total, driven by a superb century from Virat Kohli and vital fifties from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. After being asked to bat, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early to Nandre Burger, but Rohit and Kohli quickly seized control.

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The experienced pair stitched together a fluent 136-run stand, taking the pressure off after the early setback. Rohit reached a brisk 57 off 51 balls and broke Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record for most ODI sixes before Marco Jansen trapped him lbw. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s brief stay ended with a stunning catch from Dewald Brevis, and Washington Sundar added a steady 17 before falling to Ottneil Baartman. Kohli, meanwhile, continued unruffled, bringing up his 52nd ODI hundred and 83rd international ton. He accelerated sharply after reaching three figures, taking on Prenelan Subrayen with two fours and two sixes.

Rahul provided strong support with a well-paced 60, adding 76 crucial runs with Kohli. After Kohli’s dismissal for 135, Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja pushed India towards a big finish with a 65-run partnership. However, a late mini-collapse, including wickets from Jansen and Corbin Bosch, restricted India to 349/8.

Chasing a daunting 350-run target, South Africa were rocked early as India’s bowling attack came out firing. Harshit Rana struck twice in his first over, dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock. Arshdeep Singh then removed skipper Aiden Markram, leaving South Africa three down inside five overs.

Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi steadied the innings with a 66-run stand, but Kuldeep Yadav trapped de Zorzi lbw. Dewald Brevis joined Breetzke to add 53 runs before Kuldeep struck again. Marco Jansen’s whirlwind 70 threatened India’s grip, but Kuldeep dismissed him and Breetzke in quick succession.

Bosch fought hard with a half-century, stretching the chase to the final over. With 19 needed off six balls, India held their nerve as Rohit Sharma took a fine catch to dismiss Bosch, sealing a 17-run win.

Brief scores: India 349/8 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 135, KL Rahul 60; Ottneil Baartman 2-60, Nandre Burger 2-65) South Africa 332 all out in 49.2 overs (Matthew Breetzke 72, Marco Jansen 70, Corbin Bosch 67, Tony de Zorzi 39, Dewald Brevis 37; Kuldeep Yadav 4-68, Harshit Rana 3-65, Arshdeep Singh 2-64) India won by 17 runs.