Ranchi: Virat Kohli showcased once again why he remains the backbone of India’s ODI batting, crafting a masterful century to script a 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI at the JSCA Stadium on Sunday.
On a benign surface ideal for stroke-making, Kohli (135 off 120 balls) controlled India’s innings from the moment he walked in. His 52nd ODI hundred was a blend of classical timing, smart rotation, and bursts of acceleration, guiding the hosts to an imposing 349 for 8. The innings never lost shape, largely because Kohli dictated the tempo with seasoned precision.
South Africa’s chase, however, never quite recovered from early blows. Harshit Rana (3/54) ripped through the top order with a superb opening spell, and with Arshdeep Singh (2/64) providing steady support, India ensured the visitors were constantly playing catch-up. Whenever the Proteas appeared to stitch together momentum, another wicket cut it short.
Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70) briefly revived South African hopes with a lively 97-run partnership. But Kuldeep Yadav’s craft proved decisive. The left-arm wrist-spinner broke the stand in the 34th over—removing both set batters within three deliveries—and tilted the match firmly in India’s favour. His figures of 4 for 68 underscored his impact.
Dew later made gripping the ball difficult for the Indian bowlers, allowing South Africa to keep the scoreboard moving. But despite some late resistance, including Corbin Bosch’s fighting 67, India held their nerve. With 18 required off the final over and one wicket in hand, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Bosch with his second delivery to seal the win and prevent any late drama.
India now lead the three-match series 1–0, with Kohli’s impeccably paced century and a disciplined bowling effort setting the tone for the remainder of the contest.
