India Secure 17-Run Win In First ODI Against South Africa

India bounced back nicely after a whitewash in the Test series and started the ODI series with a convincing win. Virat Kohli responded to the questions regarding his form in recent times with a calculated and dominating century. He made 135 runs (11 fours, 7 sixes in 120 balls) and guided India to a 17-run win in the first ODI in Ranchi. India finished on 349/8 in 50 overs. South Africa, after a strong fightback, were bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs. Kohli won the Player of the Match award. The second ODI is scheduled to be played on Wednesday.

Early collapse and later recovery in South Africa

India did create some early pressure as wickets kept falling at 11/3, 77/4, and 130/5. Tight spells by Harshit Rana were also causing a dent in South Africa's chase. Breeske's 72, Georgie's 39, and Brevis' 37 tried to stitch the innings together, but South Africa was still way behind the required run rate.

South Africa required 220 runs from 170 balls, and India seemed in control. An impeccable partnership between Breeske and Jansen altered the momentum. Jansen's (70) constant attack saw South Africa move to 227/5 in 33 overs, which indeed created some trouble for India. Kuldeep Yadav regained control, as he removed both set batsmen in the same over. Even after that, Bosch (67), Subrian (17), and Burger (17) continued the pressure. South Africa reached 312/8 in 46 overs, live in the match till the last over.

Arshdeep removed Burger in the 47th over. South Africa needed 18 runs in the last over and Bosch was dismissed while attempting a big shot to seal India's win.

Kohli Leads India's Innings

Kohli anchored the Indian batting with an innings of control, intent, and steady shot selection. South Africa, opting to bowl first, removed opener Jaiswal for 18. Kohli and Rohit altered the tempo of the game with a 136-run partnership. Rohit, who survived an early dropped chance, played confident stroke play, including two consecutive sixes off Subrian, en route to his 57.

Kohli batted with authority and timing, smashing pulls, lofted shots, and cover drives with ease. Early in his knock, he also smashed a 146 kmph delivery for six to give a glimpse of how confident he was. Kohli also reached his half-century before Rohit before staying on course in steady spurts. Following Rohit's dismissal, India went slow for some time as Ruturaj fell for 8 and Sundar for 13. Kohli was cautious during that period.

Kohli completed his century in 102 balls and accelerated afterwards. He hit 4, 6, 6, 4 in one over from Subrian. After his dismissal in the 43rd over, Rahul (60) and Jadeja (32) pushed India close to 350.

Notable Records

Virat Kohli now has 52 international hundreds to his credit, thereby surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record for most hundreds in a single format.

Rohit Sharma reached 352 ODI sixes, becoming the player with the most sixes in ODI history, surpassing Shahid Afridi. Shahid Afridi had struck 351 sixes in his career.