Team India clinched a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi, finishing a match that produced a massive 681 runs. Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass with a superb century, while Kuldeep Yadav’s crucial four-wicket spell sealed the game in India’s favour. Batting first after winning the toss, India posted an impressive 349 runs. Rohit Sharma and Kohli built a strong 136-run stand, with Rohit scoring a fluent 57 and registering his 60th ODI fifty. Kohli then took full control, converting his half-century into a stunning ton. He scored 135 off 120 balls, smashing 11 fours and 7 sixes, marking his 83rd international and 52nd ODI hundred. KL Rahul added a valuable 60, helping India reach a solid total that proved decisive in the end.
Chasing 350, South Africa had a disastrous start as pacer Harshit Rana struck twice in his opening spell, removing Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks. Arshdeep Singh dismissed captain Aiden Markram, leaving the visitors reeling at 11 for 3. Though Tony de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis attempted recovery with scores of 39 and 37, both fell before settling in. Marco Jansen and Matthew Breetzke then mounted a strong comeback with a 97-run stand for the sixth wicket. Jansen smashed 70 off 39 balls, threatening to snatch the match, but Kuldeep Yadav changed the momentum by dismissing both Jansen and Breetzke in the same over. Breetzke scored a fighting 72 and kept the chase alive, while Corbin Bosch’s late boundaries added pressure on India. However, Prasidh Krishna held his nerve and took the final wicket, guiding India to a hard-fought win and a 1-0 lead in the series.
Kohli’s brilliance with the bat and Kuldeep’s spin magic were the standout highlights of the match, making this contest one of the most exciting ODIs in recent times. India now carry strong momentum into the next game as fans celebrate a thrilling start to the series.