Virat Kohli's 52nd ODI century propelled India to a narrow 17-run victory over South Africa in the opening match of their three-game series in Ranchi. The hosts set a challenging 350 after a strong partnership between Kohli and Rohit Sharma, despite a late fightback from the visitors. This win comes after South Africa's recent sweep in the Test series.
India won the toss for the 19th consecutive ODI loss and elected to bat first on Sunday in Ranchi. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 18 in the fourth over, but Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli built a crucial 136-run stand for the second wicket. Sharma, who scored 57 off 43 balls including back-to-back sixes off Prenelan Subrayen, was dropped early by Tony de Zorzi but later dismissed lbw by Marco Jansen.
The innings hit turbulence as Ottniel Baartman removed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar, leaving India at 200-4. Captain KL Rahul joined Kohli to add 76 runs for the fifth wicket, with Kohli reaching 135 off 120 balls—featuring 11 fours and seven sixes—before his dismissal. Rahul contributed 60, and Ravindra Jadeja added a quick 32 off 20 balls, helping India post 349-8 with 72 runs in the final seven overs.
South Africa struggled early, slumping to 11-3 with Harshit Rana taking Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks, and Arshdeep Singh dismissing Aiden Markram for 7. Matthew Breetzke's 72 and Jansen's explosive 70 off 39 balls lifted them to 227-5. However, Kuldeep Yadav's 4-68 haul, including the wickets of Breetzke and Jansen in the 34th over, swung momentum back.
Needing 50 off the last six overs with two wickets in hand, South Africa saw Nandre Burger caught by Rahul attempting a big shot. Corbin Bosch notched his maiden fifty with 67 off 51 but fell in the final over, ending the innings at 332. Indian captain KL Rahul praised the veterans: “It’s always fun to watch them play like that, play with that freedom… put oppositions under pressure, make them look silly at times and just show the world why they are who they are.” Kohli and Sharma, retired from Tests and T20Is, delighted the crowd. The teams meet next on Wednesday in Raipur.