Masterful Kohli century delivers thrilling win over South Africa: 1st ODI (Ranchi)

In a thrilling, high-scoring contest at Ranchi, India set a challenging target of 349/8 — powered by a sublime Virat Kohli knock of 135 off 120 balls (his 52nd ODI century) and handy contributions from Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60).

South Africa’s chase got off to a nightmare start at 11/3 — only for Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67) to mount a fierce fightback.

But despite their heroics, India’s bowlers — led by Kuldeep Yadav (4 wickets) and a late strike by Prasidh Krishna — held their nerve as South Africa were bowled out for 332, falling 17 runs short.

The narrow win gave India a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

India 349 for 8 (Kohli 135, Rahul 60, Rohit 57) beat South Africa 332 (Breetzke 72, Jansen 70, Bosch 67, Kuldeep 4-68) by 17 runs.

Nov 2025.