Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
Result: India won by 17 runs
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli (135 off 120)
1. PRE-MATCH CONTEXT
The ODI series between India and South Africa began in Ranchi, a venue known for batting-friendly surfaces with occasional assistance for spin during middle overs. Both teams came into the game looking to set the tone for the series.
- South Africa won the toss and elected to field, expecting evening dew to help the chase.
- India fielded a balanced playing XI with double pace + spin attack.
- South Africa went with an aggressive pace-heavy bowling unit featuring Jansen, Burger, Bosch, Baartman and spinner Subrayen.
The stage was set for a high-scoring thriller — and that’s exactly what happened.
2. INDIA’S INNINGS – 349/8 (50 OVERS)
India’s batting innings was built on three pillars:
- A stable foundation
- A huge century by Virat Kohli
- Small but important finishing contributions
Let’s break it down in detail.
🌟 2.1 Early Overs — Mixed Start
India opened with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
- Jaiswal started positively but mistimed a drive and was dismissed for 18.
- At 1/29, South Africa sensed early pressure.
Kohli joined Rohit — and the partnership that followed completely shifted momentum.
🌟 2.2 Rohit–Kohli Partnership: The Foundation
Partnership: ~136 runs (one of the biggest of the match)
Rohit Sharma – 57 (off 63)
- Played the anchor and aggressor role.
- Rotated strike brilliantly, attacked Jansen’s short balls.
- Hit his trademark pull shots and lofted drives.
Virat Kohli – Commanding presence from ball one
Kohli looked hungry and purposeful — driving crisply, finding gaps with surgical precision.
This partnership stabilised India and set the stage for a big total. SA pacers tried multiple plans:
- short balls at the body
- wide outside off
- slower bouncers
but Rohit–Kohli kept the scoreboard ticking.
Rohit eventually fell for 57, attempting to accelerate.
🌟 2.3 Virat Kohli’s Masterclass — 135(120)
This was the match-winning knock and the finest innings of the match.
How Kohli built his innings:
- First 50: classical batting, mostly fours, flawless timing
- 50–100: spin domination, rotation, strike manipulation
- 100–135: aggression — lifted the run rate, hitting 7 sixes
Kohli’s highlights:
- Superior footwork vs spin
- Handling Jansen’s bounce effortlessly
- Targeting Baartman and Subrayen in middle overs
- Accelerating precisely when required
He kept India’s run rate steady even as wickets fell around him.
🌟 2.4 KL Rahul’s Support – 60 Runs
KL Rahul played the perfect No. 4 innings:
- Kept the run rate between 6.0–6.5
- Stitched an important partnership with Kohli
- Punished poor length deliveries consistently
His calm approach prevented a mid-innings collapse.
🌟 2.5 Lower Order Contributions
Even though the lower order didn’t explode massively, their 20s and quick singles were crucial:
- Jadeja – 32 (important late acceleration)
- Washington Sundar – 13
- Extras – 23 (big contribution from SA’s wayward bowling)
India ended at 349/8, a challenging score on Ranchi’s pitch.
3. SOUTH AFRICA’S CHASE – 332 ALL OUT (49.2 OVERS)
South Africa’s chase was a drama-filled, roller-coaster ride.
⚡ 3.1 Disaster Start — Collapsed to 11/3
India’s opening bowlers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh delivered a dream start.
Wickets:
- Quinton de Kock – 0 (caught behind)
- Ryan Rickelton – 0 (lbw)
- Aiden Markram – 7 (caught in slips)
South Africa looked shaken at 11/3 — the game seemed slipping away.
The pressure built by India early on would prove decisive later.
⚡ 3.2 South Africa’s Counterattack – Middle-Order Resistance
Matthew Breetzke – 72
- Played with calmness
- Rebuilt the innings
- Picked gaps perfectly
- Handled spin sensibly
Marco Jansen – 70
A stunning innings:
- Brutal hitting
- Powerful pull shots
- Targeted Prasidh and Arshdeep
- Shifted pressure back onto India
Corbin Bosch – 67
Another excellent counterattacking knock:
- Rotated strike efficiently
- Great lofted strokes
- Put India under pressure in the 30–40 over mark
At one stage, SA were back in the match and scoring at over 7 runs per over.
⚡ 3.3 Kuldeep Yadav — The Game Changer (4 Wickets)
When SA looked threatening, Kuldeep produced a masterclass in wrist-spin bowling.
His wickets broke key partnerships and disrupted momentum.
- Perfect googlies
- Flight, dip, and drift
- Bowled in attacking areas
- Got dangerous players out at crucial moments
Kuldeep ended with 4/68, arguably India’s most impactful bowler.
⚡ 3.4 Harshit Rana – 3 Big Wickets
Apart from early breakthroughs, he returned later to break another partnership.
His rhythm, pace, and accuracy kept South Africa from cruising.
Figures: 3/65
A brilliant ODI outing for the young pacer.
⚡ 3.5 Death Overs – India Holds Nerve
Despite the strong chase:
- Required Rate reached 8–9 RPO
- India bowled smart slower balls
- Jadeja and Arshdeep tightened singles
- Excellent fielding: catches, stops, throw accuracy
South Africa eventually crumbled to 332 all out in the 49th over.
4. WHY INDIA WON – KEY REASONS
1️⃣ Virat Kohli’s 135
Without this century, India would’ve barely reached 270.
His knock created the winning cushion.
2️⃣ Early 3-Wicket Strike
11/3 put SA on the back foot permanently.
3️⃣ Kuldeep Yadav’s Impactful Spell
Every time SA built a partnership, Kuldeep broke it.
4️⃣ Composed Death Overs
Even with Jansen & Bosch firing, India didn’t panic.
5️⃣ Balanced Team Effort
Batting, bowling, fielding — all three departments clicked.
5. FULL SCORE SUMMARY (Simplified)
🇮🇳 India – 349/8
- Virat Kohli – 135
- Rohit Sharma – 57
- KL Rahul – 60
- Jadeja – 32
- Extras – 23
SA Bowling:
Jansen 2, Burger 2, Bosch 1, Baartman 1, Subrayen 1
🇿🇦 South Africa – 332 all out
- Breetzke – 72
- Jansen – 70
- Bosch – 67
- Markram – 7
- de Kock – 0
India Bowling:
Kuldeep – 4 wickets
Harshit Rana – 3 wickets
Arshdeep – 2 wickets
Prasidh – 1 wicket
6. FINAL VERDICT
The first ODI was a high-scoring thriller where India’s experience, combined with Kohli’s brilliance and disciplined bowling, gave them a well-earned victory.
South Africa fought bravely after an early collapse, but India’s consistency in clutch moments made the difference.
