India beat South Africa in the 1st ODI in Ranchi by 17 runs
Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his 135-run knock
India now lead the three-match series 1-0
After an embarrassing 2-0 loss in the two-match Test series against South Africa at home, the Indian team came back with the intent to avenge the series loss in the three-match ODI series, started today, in Ranchi, November 30.
South Africa own the toss and opted to asked India to bat first. The Men in Blue laid a huge platform thanks to a vintage knock from Virat Kohli. He smashed a brilliant 135 off 120 balls, his 83rd international century, peppered with boundaries and sixes that lit up the JSCA turf. Supported by Rohit Sharma’s aggressive 57 and a mature 60 from KL Rahul, India managed to post an imposing total of 349/8 in their 50 overs.
Chasing 350, South Africa looked dangerous at times. Dewald Brevis played a gutsy 37 off 28 balls and some late hitting from lower down kept the tension alive deep into the innings.
But India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul and backed by disciplined spells from Harshit Rana, refused to let the Proteas overrun them. In a thrilling finish, South Africa rallied but fell short by just 17 runs, bowing out at 332 in 49.2 overs.
Kohli’s century, coupled with India’s balanced batting and clutch bowling under pressure, earned them a nervy but deserved win. The match underlined once again why India remain formidable at home, especially when their veterans deliver and the bowling unit holds firm.
Also Check: India vs South Africa 1st ODI full highlights
The second match of the series will be played in Raipur on December 3. India will look to improve their bowling perfomrance before heading towards the next clash.
India Vs South Africa 1st ODI: Playing XIs
South Africa (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock(w), Aiden Markram(c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
India Vs South Africa 1st ODI: Captain Speak
Aiden Markram - We'll bowl first. Spent a couple of evenings, dew at night time and it'll be slightly easier to bat at night. Different personnel, the dressing room is at a good place with a lot of energy and fun. It's an important series, the end role the 2027 WC, still a bit of time, but we're up against one of the best teams in the world. Just one spinner in Subrayen, I will bowl a bit - Temba and Maharaj have been rested, four seamers for us today.
KL Rahul - We would have bowled first as well. The preparation has been good, the energy is there with a lot of players coming back, we want to enjoy ourselves in the middle. That's what the chat has been, we need to use every opportunity we get in the ODI team, this is a great chance to challenge our skills against a very good team. Three spinners and three quicks for us today.
