In the first ODI at Ranchi, the Indian team overcame early instability to post a competitive 349 for 8 in their 50 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell cheaply for 18, but then Virat Kohli — along with Rohit Sharma — stabilised the innings under pressure.
Rohit contributed a solid 57 from 51 balls before his dismissal. Meanwhile, Kohli batted with calm determination and eventually unleashed a breathtaking 135 off 120 balls, anchoring the innings through its middle overs. Support came from further contributions down the order, including a steady 60 off 56 from skipper KL Rahul and a 32 off 30 from Ravindra Jadeja, allowing India to set a tough 350-run target for South Africa.
“Yes, am playing just one format only” says Virat Kohli, amidst social-media rumours of being asked to reconsider Test retirement. #INDVSSAODI pic.twitter.com/zWod9CJUhn
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TWITTER JUST SWITCHED THE LIKE BUTTON TO CELEBRATE INDIA’S THRILLING WIN OVER SOUTH AFRICA! 🇮🇳🔥
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Virat Kohli scores century and Rohit Sharma is standing in the balcony as a big brother and asking
“ Who was questioning his place”
This is proper belt treatment to Gautam Gambhir. 😂😂#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/su0QUL8hHY
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) November 30, 2025
Early blows as India apply bowling pressure
When South Africa began their chase, India made early inroads, striking quickly to reduce the visitors to 24 for 3. The top order — typically relied on to anchor the innings — crumbled under pressure, leaving South Africa well behind the required run rate. Despite a couple of resistance knocks from the middle order, the pressure built by India’s bowling attack proved too much to ease off.
Bowling triumph and a hard-fought 17-run victory
As the match progressed, India’s bowlers held their nerve. While the South African middle and lower order attempted to rebuild, they could not fully recover from the early setbacks. The collective bowling attack — disciplined and consistent — ensured that South Africa fell short, all out for 332 in the 49.2nd over, handing India a nail-biting but deserved 17-run victory. This win gives India a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
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