Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi
Ranchi, Nov 30: India secured a 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series after a closely contested finish.
Batting first, India posted 349/8, led by a commanding 135 from Virat Kohli, along with half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (57) and K.L. Rahul (60). After the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit and Kohli added a 136-run stand to stabilise the innings. Kohli reached his 52nd ODI century before accelerating in the latter stages.
Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja added 65 runs for the sixth wicket, but late breakthroughs from Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch prevented India from crossing 350.
Chasing 350, South Africa suffered early setbacks. Harshit Rana made an immediate impact on debut, dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in successive deliveries. Arshdeep Singh added another key strike by removing captain Aiden Markram, reducing the visitors to 3/… within the first few overs.
South Africa rebuilt through partnerships featuring Matthew Breetzke (72), Tony de Zorzi (39) and Dewald Brevis (37), but regular wickets prevented sustained momentum. A counterattacking 70 from Jansen threatened to turn the chase, but Kuldeep Yadav dismissed both Jansen and Breetzke in the 34th over to put India back in control.
Bosch (67) and Burger extended the contest deep into the final overs. With 19 required from the last six balls, Bosch attempted a big shot but was caught by Rohit Sharma, ending South Africa’s chase at 332 in 49.2 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav finished with 4/68, while Rana claimed 3/65, helping India secure a narrow win.
Brief Scores:
India 349/8 (50 overs): Virat Kohli 135, K.L. Rahul 60; Ottneil Baartman 2/60, Nandre Burger 2/65
South Africa 332 all out (49.2 overs): Matthew Breetzke 72, Marco Jansen 70, Corbin Bosch 67, Tony de Zorzi 39, Dewald Brevis 37; Kuldeep Yadav 4/68, Harshit Rana 3/65, Arshdeep Singh 2/64
Result: India won by 17 runs.