Ranchi, November 30, 2025 – A magnificent 135-run knock by Virat Kohli powered India to a narrow seven-run victory over South Africa in the first One-Day International (ODI) at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. The result gave India a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
India, put in to bat first, posted a formidable 349/8 in 50 overs, driven by Kohli’s masterclass and supported by a 136-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma. Late contributions from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja helped India reach a competitive total despite tight death bowling from Corbin Bosch.
South Africa staged a spirited chase despite a disastrous start, slipping to 11/3 within the first five overs. Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi stabilized the innings before Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen launched a counterattack. Jansen’s explosive innings brought the Proteas back into the contest, while Bosch and Prenelan Subrayen pushed the game deep into the final overs. However, India’s pace attack held firm under pressure, bowling South Africa out just seven runs short of the target.
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
Kohli was named Player of the Match for his superb century—his 52nd in ODIs. Speaking after the game, he said he enjoyed the challenge of adapting to conditions that slowed down after the first 20 overs, adding that his focus was on building an innings and staying mentally sharp.
Captains React
Indian skipper KL Rahul praised his bowlers for sticking to their plans and applauded senior players Kohli and Rohit for setting up the match. He also expressed satisfaction with his middle-order role, having contributed crucial runs late in the innings.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram lauded his team’s fightback, saying the side showed tremendous character despite early setbacks. He noted that the top order would need to provide a stronger platform in the remaining games.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Key Spell
India’s Kuldeep Yadav, who delivered a decisive spell in dewy conditions, said he and Rahul had strategized to stay aggressive by mixing variations and targeting back-of-length areas. His dismissal of Jansen proved to be the turning point.
Series Outlook
With the opening ODI producing a high-scoring thriller of 681 total runs, both teams now shift their focus to the second match scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur, where South Africa will look to bounce back and level the series. India, meanwhile, will aim to seal the series with another strong performance.