Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India survived a scare and sailed past South Africa in a closely-fought encounter to grab a 17-run victory in the first ODI and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on November 30. The win was fashioned by a superb century from Virat Kohli and vital fifties from Rohit Sharma and K.L. Rahul. After being asked to bat, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early to Nandre Burger, but Rohit and Kohli quickly seized control.
The experienced pair stitched together a fluent 136-run stand, taking the pressure off after the early setback. Rohit reached a brisk 57 off 51 balls and broke Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record for most ODI sixes before Marco Jansen trapped him lbw. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s brief stay ended with a stunning catch from Dewald Brevis, and Washington Sundar added a steady 17 before falling to Ottneil Baartman. Kohli, meanwhile, continued unruffled, bringing up his 52nd ODI hundred and 83rd international ton. He accelerated sharply after reaching three figures, taking on Prenelan Subrayen with two fours and two sixes.
Rahul provided strong support with a well-paced 60, adding 76 crucial runs with Kohli. After Kohli’s dismissal for 135, Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja pushed India towards a big finish with a 65-run partnership. However, a late mini-collapse, including wickets from Jansen and Corbin Bosch, restricted India to 349/8, still a formidable target for the Proteas.
Chasing a daunting 350-run target, South Africa were rocked early as India’s bowling attack came out firing. Harshit Rana, entrusted with the second over, made an immediate impact on his very first legal delivery. After starting with a wide, the pacer found his rhythm immediately, producing a sharp, good-length ball that jagged back into Ryan Rickelton. The South African opener offered a lazy defensive push and paid the price; his stumps were shattered, giving India the breakthrough they wanted.
Rana wasn’t done. Just a ball later, he struck again to leave the visitors stunned. Quinton de Kock, newly arrived at the crease, chased a full delivery well outside off. The ball moved away enough to catch the outside edge, and KL Rahul made no mistake behind the stumps. De Kock departed for a duck, and South Africa were reduced to early rubble.
