India edge South Africa by 17 runs in tense ODI opener
Ranchi: India secured a hard-fought 17-run victory over South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday, powered by Virat Kohli’s commanding century and decisive strikes from Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next game scheduled for Raipur on Wednesday.
How India built a commanding total
Kohli anchored India’s innings with a superb 52nd ODI hundred, scoring 135 off 120 balls with 11 fours and seven sixes. His 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma formed the backbone of the innings.
Rohit contributed a brisk 57 off 51 balls and created history by smashing his 352nd six in one-day internationals, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record of 351.
KL Rahul added late momentum with a valuable 60 off 56 deliveries as India finished on an imposing 349 for 8.
How South Africa attempted the chase
South Africa were rattled early, slipping to 11 for three, but Matthew Breeetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch kept the innings alive with resilient contributions.
Despite their efforts, the visitors could not sustain the pace needed for the steep chase and were eventually bowled out for 332.
Who delivered for India with the ball
Kuldeep Yadav led India’s attack with figures of 4 for 68, breaking key partnerships at crucial stages. Harshit Rana supported strongly with 3 for 65, ensuring South Africa never fully recovered from their poor start.
Their combined impact prevented a late Protean resurgence and sealed India’s narrow but vital win.
Brief scores
- India: 349/8 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 135, Rohit Sharma 57, KL Rahul 60; Ottneil Baartman 2/60, Nandre Burger 2/65)
- South Africa: 332 all out in 49.2 overs (Matthew Breeetzke 72, Marco Jansen 70; Kuldeep Yadav 4/68, Harshit Rana 3/65)
- Result: India won by 17 runs.