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Virat Kohli’s majestic 135, Rohit’s fifty and bowlers heroics sink South Africa by 17 runs News24 –

Sports
By Correspondent


IND vs SA 1st ODI: India started the three-match ODI series on a perfect note with a commanding win over South Africa in Ranchi. It was a game where the hosts dominated with both bat and ball, riding on Virat Kohli’s brilliant century, Rohit Sharma’s fluent fifty, and a strong bowling show led by Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav.

India pile up 349 after top-order brilliance

Rohit Sharma got India going with a smooth 57 off 51 balls, striking the ball well from the very beginning. His partner Yashasvi Jaiswal chipped in with a quick 18, and although Ruturaj Gaikwad couldn’t convert his start, the momentum stayed with India thanks to Kohli’s masterclass.

Virat was at his vintage best timing the ball sweetly, rotating strike with ease, and unleashing big hits whenever needed. His 135 off 120 balls included 11 boundaries and 7 towering sixes, setting the tone for a huge total. KL Rahul added to the damage with a steady 60 off 56, ensuring India crossed the 340-mark comfortably.

Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch, and Ottneil Baartman all picked two wickets each, but none could really stop the Indian batting flow.

South Africa fight but fall short

Chasing 350 was always going to be tough, and South Africa’s start made it even harder. Harshit Rana delivered early breakthroughs, removing Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton for ducks. Aiden Markram’s struggle ended at 7, leaving SA wobbling.

Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi tried to steady things, with Breetzke’s composed 72 and de Zorzi’s 39 giving the visitors some hope. But the real counterattack came from Marco Jansen, who smashed 70 off just 39 balls, showing no fear against the Indian bowlers. Dewald Brevis contributed a lively 37 off 28, but wickets kept falling at the wrong time.

Kuldeep and Harshit stall SA’s charge

Just when South Africa seemed to be building partnerships, Kuldeep Yadav produced breakthroughs at crucial moments. He dismissed both Brevis and Jansen, two batters who were looking dangerous and scoring freely. His spell completely shifted the momentum back to India.

Harshit Rana, who had provided the early damage, bowled with good pace and discipline throughout. His early double-strike put South Africa under pressure, and they never fully recovered from those blows.

India go 1-0 in the series

India eventually wrapped up the game comfortably, taking a 1–0 lead in the series. The combination of top-order brilliance and strong bowling made the difference, and the home crowd in Ranchi went home happy after a complete team performance.

With two matches to go, South Africa will need a strong comeback. India, meanwhile, will be thrilled with the form of Kohli, Rohit, Rahul, and their bowlers promising signs for the rest of the series.




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