India Edges Past South Africa in Thrilling ODI Opener: A 17-Run Victory!

In a thrilling first ODI, India triumphed over South Africa by 17 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Virat Kohli's century and strong bowling performances were key to India's victory. The match featured intense moments, including early wickets for South Africa and a nail-biting finish. Discover the highlights and key performances from this exciting encounter!

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 30, 2025, 22:51 IST

India Triumphs in a Nail-Biting ODI Against South Africa

Ranchi: In a gripping contest, India managed to secure a 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. The match was a fierce battle, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.

India set a formidable target, thanks to a brilliant century from Virat Kohli and significant contributions from Rohit Sharma and K.L. Rahul. After losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early to Nandre Burger, Rohit and Kohli quickly stabilized the innings.

The experienced duo formed a solid partnership of 136 runs, easing the pressure after the initial loss. Rohit scored a quick 57 off 51 balls, breaking Shahid Afridi’s record for the most ODI sixes before being dismissed by Marco Jansen.

Ruturaj Gaikwad fell victim to a spectacular catch by Dewald Brevis, while Washington Sundar added a steady 17 runs before being dismissed by Ottneil Baartman. Kohli, however, remained unfazed, reaching his 52nd ODI century and 83rd international ton. He accelerated after reaching three figures, hitting Prenelan Subrayen for two fours and two sixes.

Rahul supported Kohli with a well-crafted 60, forming a crucial 76-run partnership. After Kohli was dismissed for 135, Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja added 65 runs, but a late collapse, including wickets from Jansen and Corbin Bosch, limited India to 349/8, a challenging target for South Africa.

Chasing 350, South Africa faced early setbacks as India’s bowlers struck hard. Harshit Rana, making his mark in the second over, took the first wicket with a sharp delivery that bowled Ryan Rickelton. Rana continued his impressive start by dismissing Quinton de Kock for a duck, leaving South Africa in disarray.

The pressure mounted further when Arshdeep Singh dismissed skipper Aiden Markram, leaving South Africa reeling at three wickets down early in the innings. With the top order dismantled, South Africa struggled to keep up with the required run rate as India’s bowlers maintained control.

Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi attempted to stabilize the innings with a 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but de Zorzi fell to Kuldeep Yadav’s lbw. Dewald Brevis showed resilience, partnering with Breetzke to build momentum, but timely wickets from India kept the pressure on.

Marco Jansen’s explosive innings brought South Africa closer to the target, but Kuldeep’s return to the attack proved decisive as he dismissed both Jansen and Breetzke in quick succession. Prenelan Subrayen and Bosch provided some resistance, but Arshdeep’s late strike kept the match in balance.

As India sought the final wicket, Bosch fought hard, reaching his half-century. The match came down to the last over, with South Africa needing 19 runs. However, a mis-hit from Bosch led to a catch by Rohit, sealing India’s victory.

With Prasidh Krishna delivering the final blow, India clinched a thrilling 17-run win, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Brief scores:

India 349/8 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 135, K.L. Rahul 60; Ottneil Baartman 2-60, Nandre Burger 2-65) beat South Africa 332 all out in 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) by 17 runs.