The One-Day International series between India vs South Africa began with a thrilling and high-scoring match at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. India secured a hard-fought 17-run victory, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first. India start was not ideal, Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early on 18 runs dismissed by Nandre Burger. But the highlight of the Indian inning was long awaited partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.The two experienced batters added 136 runs for the second wicket, controlling the innings calmly and punishing loose deliveries. Rohit Sharma scored a fluent 57 off 51 balls , featuring 5 fours 3 sixes and created history With his third six ahe surpassed Shahid Afridi to become the highest six-hitter in ODI cricket, with 352 sixes. Washington Sundar managed 13 runs and Ruturaj Gaikwad 8 runs off 14 deliveries.
The star of the innings was Virat Kohli, walking in to a loud cheer, he delivered a masterpiece that Playing with patience, timing, and composure, Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century, breaking Sachin Tendulkar record of 51 centuries in a one day international .
Kohli made 135 runs off 120 balls, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes. After his dismissal, India slowed down a bit, especially with South African bowlers Ottneil Baartman and Corbin Bosch bowling tight lines.
However, the finishing touches came from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Rahul played a steady knock of 60 runs off 56 balls, while Jadeja added a quick 32 runs, helping India reach a strong total of 349/8 in 50 overs.
Ottneil Bartman who was the stand out bowler for South Africa took 2/60 in 10 overs while Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger also gets 2 wickets each.
Chasing 350, South Africa had a disastrous start. Harshit Rana, dismissed both Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the same over on duck. and Aiden Markram managed only 7 runs. The proteas slipped to 11/3 .
Tony De Zorzi and Matthew Breetzkee who stitched together 66 rums stand for the fourth wicket and provide much needed stability, while Tony De Zorzi added valueable 39 runs and partnership broken by kuldeep yadav. After de zorzi fell, Dewald Brevis came to the crease and joined Breetzkee together put another 53 runs partnership and south africa back on track in run chase. Dewald Brevis added 37 runs innings off 28 deliveries, struck two force and 3 sixes.
South Africa fought back strongly through Matthew Breetzke and Marco Jansen put 97 runs Partnerships and south Africa back in contest strongly ,Breetzke scored a well-made 72 runs runs off just 80 deliveries , while Jansen added an 70 runs from just 39 balls, smashed 8 fours and 3 sixes and well head in game
when Kuldeep Yadav removed dangerous Marco Jansen and Matthew Breetzkee in same over which changed course of the game.
Despite losing wickets South Africa never lose the hope Corbin Bosch and Prenelan Subrayen snitched together 42 runs stand and Subrayen Managed 17 runs while Nandre Burger joined him and support well and both add 42 runs together give again South Africa hope while Burger added 17 valuable runs .
At the end Corbin Bosch fighting half century and brought the equation down to 18 runs needed from the last over but eventually ended Corbin Bosch fighting innings 67 runs off 51 deliveries, struck 5 fours and 4 sixes, and south africa bowled out on 49.2 and fall short by 18 runs.
For India kuldeep yadav was picked up the bowler took 4/68 in 10 overs while Harshit Rana gets 3 wickets and 2 wickets for Arshdeep Singh, 1 for Prasidh Krishna.
India vs South Africa match summary
Toss : South Africa won the toss and Opted to bowl first
India innings : 349/8 in 50 overs
Top performer : Virat Kohli 135 runs off 120 deliveries, Ottneil Bartman 2/60 in 10 overs
South Africa innings : 332/10 in 49.2 overs
Top performer : Matthew Breetzkee 72 runs off 80 balls, kuldeep yadav 4/68 in 10 overs .
Result : india won by 17 runs
Player of the match : Virat Kohli 135 runs off 120 deliveries