India secured a hard-fought 17-run victory against a resilient South African side in the first ODI at Ranchi, taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. The foundation for this win was laid by the formidable batting duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, whose partnership proved decisive on a challenging pitch.
Kohli's Historic Century Steadies the Ship
The cornerstone of India's innings was a masterful and record-extending 52nd ODI century from Virat Kohli. Coming in at a critical juncture, Kohli played a composed and calculated knock, anchoring the Indian batting lineup. His innings was a blend of classic strokeplay and sharp running between the wickets, demonstrating his unparalleled ability to build an innings under pressure. This landmark century further cements his status as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the 50-over format.
Rohit Provides the Explosive Start
At the other end, captain Rohit Sharma provided the early momentum with a characteristically aggressive rapid 57 runs. His innings was filled with powerful strokes, particularly through the off-side, putting the South African bowlers on the back foot from the outset. While he missed out on a bigger score, his partnership with Kohli set the perfect platform for the middle order, ensuring India posted a competitive total that always looked defendable.
A Doughty South African Chase Falls Short
The South African team, true to their reputation, mounted a serious challenge in pursuit of the target. Their batsmen showed grit and determination, keeping the required run rate within reach for large parts of the chase. However, the Indian bowling attack, led by a disciplined effort from the pacers and spinners alike, managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals. The pressure eventually told, and the visitors fell short by 17 runs, handing India the win in the series opener played on December 2, 2025.
This victory gives India significant momentum heading into the remainder of the ODI series. The team will once again look to rely on the experience and firepower of the Kohli-Rohit pair to seal the series, while also hoping for contributions from other key players. For South Africa, the narrow loss will serve as a reminder of their fighting spirit, and they will be eager to level the series in the upcoming matches.
