Source News 18
Ranchi, November 30, 2025 — On a sunlit Sunday at JSCA International Stadium, India national cricket team delivered a masterclass to overcome South Africa national cricket team by 17 runs in the opening match of the ODI series — thanks largely to a magnificent 135 from Virat Kohli.
Kohli — Rolling Back the Years
Kohli’s innings was a vintage display of control, timing and aggression. He raced to 135 in 102 balls, smashing 11 boundaries and 7 sixes, showing he still has the fire and reflexes to dominate in ODIs.
That hundred marked his 52nd in ODIs — a milestone that also made him the batter with the most centuries in a single format in men’s international cricket history, eclipsing long-standing records.
It was his third century in Ranchi — a venue that clearly brings out the best in him.
Strong Support — Rohit and Rahul
While Kohli anchored the innings, Rohit Sharma played a fiery knock of 57 off 51 balls, including powerful sixes, helping push India toward a formidable total.
Late in the innings, KL Rahul provided much-needed impetus with a brisk 60 off 56 balls, and the tail added useful runs to take India to 349/8 in 50 overs.
Bowling Fightback and Final Blow
In response, South Africa showed fight, with a couple of batters scoring briskly. But the comeback was blunted mid-way as Kuldeep Yadav picked up two crucial wickets — removing key batters in quick succession, stalling the momentum.
In the end, India managed to defend the total successfully, clinching a 17-run win.
What This Win Signals
With this victory, India begins the series on a high note, leveraging both batting firepower and wicket-taking bowling.
Kohli’s revival — both in form and dominance — sends a strong message: even as newer talents emerge, the veterans can still deliver big in crunch moments.
For South Africa, the match showed glimpses of fightback, but they’ll need consistency from their top and middle order to challenge India across the series.
