India Triumphs Over South Africa in Thrilling ODI Opener

In a gripping first ODI at Ranchi, India triumphed over South Africa by 17 runs, led by Virat Kohli's remarkable century and Kuldeep Yadav's impressive bowling. Despite a valiant effort from South Africa's batsmen, including Matthew Breetzke and Marco Jansen, they fell short of the target. This victory puts India ahead in the three-match series, setting the stage for an exciting continuation. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the match highlights and key performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 30, 2025, 22:47 IST

India Secures Victory in First ODI Against South Africa

In a thrilling encounter at JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, India clinched a 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series. The match featured a remarkable 52nd ODI century from Virat Kohli, a record-setting fifty from Rohit Sharma, and a stellar four-wicket haul by Kuldeep Yadav. With this win, India leads the series 1-0.

Opting to bat first, India posted a formidable total of 349/8 in 50 overs, thanks to Kohli's impressive 135 runs off 120 balls, supported by KL Rahul's 60 and Rohit Sharma's 57. South Africa struggled early, losing three wickets for just 11 runs, but a spirited fightback from Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (67) kept them in contention. However, they ultimately fell short, finishing at 332 all out in 49.2 overs.

South Africa's Chase

Early Collapse Puts Proteas on Back Foot

South Africa's chase began poorly, with Harshit Rana dismissing both Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks in the second over. The Proteas found themselves at 7 runs for 2 wickets within 1.3 overs. Arshdeep Singh then removed captain Aiden Markram for just 7 runs, leaving South Africa reeling at 11/3 in 4.4 overs.

Breetzke and de Zorzi Rebuild

Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi counter-attacked, scoring seven boundaries in just 14 balls. By the end of the first 10 overs, South Africa had reached 47/3, with Breetzke on 21* and de Zorzi on 18*. They continued to build their partnership, but Kuldeep Yadav broke through by dismissing de Zorzi for 39 runs, leaving South Africa at 77/4.

Brevis Adds Impetus

Breetzke kept the momentum going, while Dewald Brevis hit two sixes off Ravindra Jadeja in the 18th over. South Africa crossed the 100-run mark in 17.1 overs. Brevis's aggressive batting helped them reach 123/4 by the end of the 20th over, but he was dismissed shortly after for 37 runs.

Jansen's Blistering Attack

Breetzke reached his fifth ODI fifty in 55 balls, while Marco Jansen launched an aggressive assault on Kuldeep, scoring quickly and reaching his own fifty in just 26 balls. South Africa crossed the 200-run mark in 29.3 overs, needing only 150 more runs to win.

Kuldeep's Double Strike Turns the Tide

Kuldeep Yadav struck crucial blows, dismissing both Jansen and Breetzke in quick succession, leaving South Africa at 228/7.

Bosch Leads Late Fightback

Corbin Bosch and Subrayen Prenelan attempted to stabilize the innings, but Bosch's resistance ended when he was caught for 67 runs. South Africa was ultimately bowled out for 332 runs in 49.2 overs.

India's Innings

Earlier in the match, India set a challenging target of 350 runs, led by Virat Kohli's record-breaking century. Kohli's 135 runs came off 120 balls, while KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma contributed with fifties, helping India to a total of 349/8.

Solid Start Despite Jaiswal's Dismissal

India's innings began with a solid partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma. Jaiswal scored 18 runs before being dismissed, leaving India at 25/1.

Ro-Ko Partnership Dominates

Kohli and Rohit then built a formidable partnership, reaching the 100-run mark in just 82 balls. Kohli's aggressive batting saw him reach his 76th ODI fifty, while Rohit surpassed Shahid Afridi's record for most sixes in ODIs.

Kohli Anchors with Record Century

Kohli's innings culminated in his 52nd ODI century, and he continued to accelerate the scoring rate before being dismissed for 135 runs.

Late Flourish from Rahul and Jadeja

In the final overs, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja added crucial runs, setting a target of 350 for South Africa.

Brief Scores

India: 349/8 (Virat Kohli 135, KL Rahul 60, Ottneil Baartman 2/60) defeated South Africa: 332 in 49.2 overs (Matthew Breetzke 72, Marco Jansen 70, Kuldeep Yadav 4/68).