Virat Kohli 135 & Kuldeep Yadav 4-Wicket Haul Lead India to 17-Run Win Over South Africa in ODI Series Opener
Summary: Virat Kohli rolled back the years with a masterful 135 (120 balls), backed by fifties from Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60), catapulting India to a massive 349/8. Despite sensational counter-attacking knocks from Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67), South Africa’s chase fell short by 17 runs. The difference? The disciplined pace of Harshit Rana (3/65) and the match-turning spin of Kuldeep Yadav (4/68). India takes a crucial 1-0 lead. Kohli was named Player of the Match.
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The Ranchi Run-Riot:India Survive Jansen-Bosch Scare Thanks to Classic Kohli Knock
The JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi witnessed an absolute classic on Sunday as Team India, fueled by a vintage performance from Virat Kohli, narrowly defeated South Africa by 17 runs to take the lead in the three-match ODI series. The contest, a thrilling chase that ran deep into the final over, perfectly set the tone for the South Africa tour of India, 2025.
After Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to field first, the decision quickly backfired against the might of India’s batting royalty. While opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (18) provided a brisk start, the innings was stabilized by Rohit Sharma (57 off 51), whose aggressive fifty laid the perfect foundation.
However, the day belonged to the undisputed Player of the Match, Virat Kohli. Striking 11 fours and 7 sixes, Kohli’s majestic 135 off 120 balls was a masterclass in pacing an ODI innings. He combined caution with explosive power, ensuring that despite the fall of wickets, India maintained a menacing run rate of 6.98. Crucial late contributions from skipper KL Rahul (60 off 56) and the explosive Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 20) pushed India’s total to a formidable 349/8.
South Africa's bowlers were disciplined but ultimately struggled for penetration on the high-scoring track, with Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch, and Ottneil Baartman all sharing the spoils with two wickets apiece.
The Proteas' chase started in the worst possible way. The young Indian speedster Harshit Rana delivered a scintillating opening burst, trapping Aiden Markram’s men at 11/3 by removing danger men Ryan Rickelton (0) and Quinton de Kock (0), plus the skipper himself.
It took the resilience of Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80) and Tony de Zorzi (39 off 35) to stabilize the ship. But the real fireworks came from the lower middle order. Marco Jansen (70 off 39) played an incredible blitzkrieg, striking 8 fours and 3 sixes, nearly pulling off the improbable. Supported brilliantly by Corbin Bosch (67 off 51), the duo put fear into the Indian camp.
Just when the match seemed to be slipping away, India's spin ace Kuldeep Yadav stepped up. He broke the pivotal partnerships, finishing with a brilliant 4/68. His control and variations proved too much for the South African lower order, especially dismissing the dangerous Breetzke and Jansen at crucial junctures. Harshit Rana finished with an excellent 3/65 in his 10 overs, maintaining pressure throughout.
The final wicket of Bosch by Prasidh Krishna (1/48) ended the thrilling chase, leaving South Africa agonizingly short at 332 all out in 49.2 overs. India's superior execution in the final 10 overs with both bat and ball secured the 17-run victory.
The series now moves to Raipur for the 2nd ODI on Wednesday, December 3.
The Kohli Command: An Exhibition of Batting
After Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to field first, the decision quickly backfired against the might of India’s batting royalty. While opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (18) provided a brisk start, the innings was stabilized by Rohit Sharma (57 off 51), whose aggressive fifty laid the perfect foundation.
However, the day belonged to the undisputed Player of the Match, Virat Kohli. Striking 11 fours and 7 sixes, Kohli’s majestic 135 off 120 balls was a masterclass in pacing an ODI innings. He combined caution with explosive power, ensuring that despite the fall of wickets, India maintained a menacing run rate of 6.98. Crucial late contributions from skipper KL Rahul (60 off 56) and the explosive Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 20) pushed India’s total to a formidable 349/8.
South Africa's bowlers were disciplined but ultimately struggled for penetration on the high-scoring track, with Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch, and Ottneil Baartman all sharing the spoils with two wickets apiece.
South Africa's Brave, But Doomed, Counter-Attack
The Proteas' chase started in the worst possible way. The young Indian speedster Harshit Rana delivered a scintillating opening burst, trapping Aiden Markram’s men at 11/3 by removing danger men Ryan Rickelton (0) and Quinton de Kock (0), plus the skipper himself.
It took the resilience of Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80) and Tony de Zorzi (39 off 35) to stabilize the ship. But the real fireworks came from the lower middle order. Marco Jansen (70 off 39) played an incredible blitzkrieg, striking 8 fours and 3 sixes, nearly pulling off the improbable. Supported brilliantly by Corbin Bosch (67 off 51), the duo put fear into the Indian camp.
The Tipping Point: Kuldeep's Web
Just when the match seemed to be slipping away, India's spin ace Kuldeep Yadav stepped up. He broke the pivotal partnerships, finishing with a brilliant 4/68. His control and variations proved too much for the South African lower order, especially dismissing the dangerous Breetzke and Jansen at crucial junctures. Harshit Rana finished with an excellent 3/65 in his 10 overs, maintaining pressure throughout.
The final wicket of Bosch by Prasidh Krishna (1/48) ended the thrilling chase, leaving South Africa agonizingly short at 332 all out in 49.2 overs. India's superior execution in the final 10 overs with both bat and ball secured the 17-run victory.
The series now moves to Raipur for the 2nd ODI on Wednesday, December 3.
Keywords: Virat Kohli ODI Century Ranchi,India vs South Africa Match Report November 2025,Harshit Rana Kuldeep Yadav Bowling Performance
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