At the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass — crafting a superb 135 off 120 balls to steer India national cricket team to a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa national cricket team in the first match of their three-game ODI series.
Kohli’s 52nd ODI century, featuring 11 fours and 7 sixes, was the backbone of India’s imposing 349/8 total. He stitched together a crucial 136-run second-wicket stand with Rohit Sharma (57), setting the platform for a competitive target.
Despite a valiant late-order resistance from South Africa — including a swift 70 from Marco Jansen and a gritty 67 from Corbin Bosch — disciplined bowling from India held their nerve. The tourists were eventually bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs.
Indian skipper KL Rahul praised the veterans’ free-flowing approach, saying their aggressive yet controlled batting put South Africa under pressure right from the start.
With this win, India takes a 1–0 lead in the ODI series, bouncing back after losing the preceding Test series. The second ODI is scheduled in Raipur on Wednesday.
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