New Delhi: Virat Kohli’s sensational 52nd ODI hundred and Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul helped India to clinch a 17-run thrilling win over South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The Men in Blue now took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Kohli scored 135 runs off 120 balls, guiding India to a massive 349/8 in 50 overs. South Africa batted well in the run chase but failed to cross the line, bundling out on 332 in 49.2 overs.
Kuldeep picked up four wickets, and Harshit took three, while Arshdeep Singh also took two wickets
Matthew Breeetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (67) kept the visitors alive after they lost early wickets in the run chase, but the Men in Blue fought back to win the match.
Earlier, Kohli’s hundred and his 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma (57) helped India’s charge to a 300-plus total. Rohit broke a world record, smashing his 352nd six in ODI cricket to surpass former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi’s tally of 351. KL Rahul also scored 60 runs off 56 balls to help the Men in Blue post a massive target, which the Proteas failed to chase.
Fans praise Rohit-Virat after 1st ODI win
They never went anywhere. They aren’t going anywhere. Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 30, 2025
🚨🚨 What looked like a one sided match became a nail biter in the end.
India took the win and South Africa won respect.
Virat Kohli delivered a powerful reminder to the management.#INDVSSAODI pic.twitter.com/wZRdcEAPHz
— The Impact Desk 🇮🇳 (@TheImpactDesk) November 30, 2025
What. A. Thriller.
This could have been anyone’s match.#SouthAfrica fought really well after those 3 quick wickets and then took it right till the end. However, it was meant to be #India day.
Well played everyone.
India wins!#INDVSSAODI
— Joginder Tuteja (@Tutejajoginder) November 30, 2025
Every Shot was reply to Selectors-opponent team and The Coach, India Won when Virat hit first Six over the covers. Saw the run Hunger attitude after long time. He was running like hell today.Rohit was equally good 👍🏻#BCCI is you want to win 2027 WC🏆
You need #ROKo #INDVSSAODI pic.twitter.com/HY3yQ4zkWZ— Varun Dewan (@VarunDewanvK) November 30, 2025
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have a great day for the nation. Hopefully they continue to perform like this so that there are no question marks over their World Cup qualification. pic.twitter.com/lIv9N6lLn1
— Rakib (@Criccrazyrakib) November 30, 2025
India will take on South Africa in the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3.