India began the three-match ODI series with a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa on Sunday night, successfully defending 349/8 in front of a roaring Ranchi crowd.
Winning the toss, South Africa chose to bowl, hoping to exploit early conditions and later dew. The plan worked partially as Nandre Burger dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but Rohit Sharma had other ideas. The Indian opener blasted 57 off 51 balls, hitting 3 sixes — the last one taking him past Shahid Afridi’s record of 351 ODI sixes. Rohit now holds the world record with 352 maximums.
After Rohit fell lbw, Virat Kohli took charge. Batting at No. 3 Kohli played one of his finest ODI knocks — scoring 135 runs off 120 balls with 11 fours and 7 sixes. It was his 52nd ODI hundred and first since the ICC Champions Trophy. Supported by KL Rahul’s classy 60 and Ravindra Jadeja’s quick 32 off 18 balls, India posted a challenging 349/8 — their second-highest total ever against South Africa.
In reply, South Africa lost early wickets, slumping to 11/3 inside five overs with Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, and Aiden Markram departing quickly. They then rebuilt through a solid partnership between Matthew Breetzke and Marco Jansen, giving them real hope. But Kuldeep Yadav turned the match on its head, taking back to back wickets of set batter Marco Jansen & Matthew Breetzke in a single over to spark a collapse and leave South Africa needing more then 100 runs with limited wickets.
Debutant Corbin Bosch fought brilliantly with 67 runs, but Prasidh Krishna kept his cool in the final over and took the last wicket to seal a dramatic win.
Virat Kohli was awarded the player of the match for his magnificent 135 runs of 120 balls with 11 fours and 7 sixes.
India now lead the three-match ODI series 1–0. The second ODI will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 3 December 2025.
