India Hold Nerve to Beat South Africa by 17 Runs in ODI Opener

Virat Kohli rises to No. 2 in ICC ODI Rankings

India survived a fierce South African fight to secure a gripping 17-run win in the first ODI at Ranchi, taking a 1–0 lead.

Batting first, India posted 349/8 despite an early blow, powered by Virat Kohli’s sublime 135—his 52nd ODI hundred—and vital contributions from Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60). Rohit scripted history by becoming the leading six-hitter in ODIs before departing.

Chasing 350, South Africa were reduced to early trouble, but a resilient middle-order reply from Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67) kept the contest alive. Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant 4-68 turned the tide, before Rohit’s calm catch in the final over sealed a nerve-soothing victory for India.

Sahir Usman

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