On Sunday, November 30, the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi hosted a thrilling first ODI between India and South Africa. In a match that suited the batsmen, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma delivered a dominant display, guiding the Indians to a massive first‑innings total of 349‑for‑8.
India got the ball first and Australia’s top scorer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, was dismissed early in the fourth over by Nandre Burger, giving South Africa a brief foothold. The rest of the opening phase, however, was entirely out of reach for the Proteas. Kohli and Rohit, who have a history of sealing partnerships for the team, immediately turned the tide, laying down a brilliant 136‑run stand for the second wicket.
Their batting told a clear story: a burst of runs, a couple of half‑centuries, a spectacular ton, unwavering composure, and elegant singles that left the South African bowlers looking back. After an early wicket, the visitors had to wait until the 22nd over for a breakthrough when all‑rounder Marco Jansen trapped Rohit Sharma LBW. By that time, Kohli was already on his way to a century, having celebrated a half‑century earlier.
Rohit followed soon after, joining Kohli with the required guns for the partnership. Just after breaking Shahid Afridi’s record for the most ODI sixes, Rohit was dismissed for 57 off 51 balls. The baton then fell to Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had been out of the international arena for a long time. He seemed poised to steal the show but was taken out by a sharp catch from Dewald Brevis, cutting off the 28‑year‑old’s innings.
Washington Sundar launched the batting tempo, finding gaps on a regular basis and proving a solid partner to Kohli in the middle overs. However, the all‑rounder’s form ticked over by the 31st over when Ottneil Baartman knocked him out. With Kohli already on a magnificent century – his 52nd in ODIs and 83rd overall – KL Rahul came in and anchored the innings, setting up a crucial 76‑run stand with the reigning skipper. The two made the most of the conditions with an economy of power‑hits.
Kohli, after reaching 100, continued to fire, smashing Prenelan Subrayen for two fours and a handful of sixes, adding 20 runs quickly to his tally. Rahul echoed the aggressive intent, and the partnership kept the pressure on the Proteas’ bowlers. While Rahul was looking for a calm finish, his knock was cut short by Ryan Rickelton in the 43rd over, who took a fine catch while running to cover.
Following Kohli’s dismissal, a modest 65‑run partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Rahul strengthened the chase, but the tailboard collapsed in the final overs. Jansen dismissed Rahul on the penultimate ball of the 49th over, and in the last over, Corbin Bosch picked off Jadeja while Arshdeep Kaur was trapped late. All told, the match ended with India posted 349‑for‑8, setting a 350‑run target for South Africa to chase.
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