India edged past South Africa by 17 runs in a pulsating first ODI in Ranchi, powered by Virat Kohli’s 135 and a world-record-setting Rohit Sharma. The duo shared a 136-run partnership that anchored India’s 349 for 8, giving the hosts a slender but crucial advantage in the three-match series.
Despite a blistering effort from South Africa’s Corbin Bosch (67), Marco Jansen (70), and Reeza Hendricks, the visitors fell short of the 350-run target. Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 for 68 and the early strikes from Harshit Rana put India in a commanding position, while the dew and slowing pitch tested South Africa’s chase under lights.
Kohli’s innings, his first century since February, featured seven towering sixes and showcased his ability to counter periods of pressure when partners struggled. Rohit, meanwhile, eclipsed Shahid Afridi’s record for most ODI sixes (351), highlighting a sparkling opening phase that set the foundation for India’s total.
South Africa’s reply started disastrously with Rana swinging the new ball to claim Rickelton and de Kock for ducks, but Jansen and Breetzke fought back with a blistering 70 and 72-run innings respectively. Kuldeep and Arshdeep Singh produced crucial breakthroughs to halt the momentum, and Bosch’s valiant resistance ultimately ran out of partners.
India now take a 1-0 series lead, setting the stage for a thrilling second ODI. Kohli and Rohit’s experience, combined with India’s timely bowling strikes, proved decisive in a high-stakes contest that kept fans on the edge until the final ball.
