Kohli’s Record-Breaking Century Powers India to Thrilling 17-Run Victory Over South Africa in Ranchi ODI

Ranchi, Nov 2025 : Team India kicked off their three-match ODI series against South Africa with a sensational 17-run victory at the JSCA International Stadium Complex here on Sunday. Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 349/8 in 50 overs, anchored by a brilliant century from Virat Kohli, while South Africa, in response, were all out for 332 in 49.2 overs. With this win, India takes a 1-0 lead in the series.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. Opening the innings, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided India with a steady start. Jaiswal showed early promise, scoring 18 runs off 16 balls with two fours and a six, before being dismissed by Nandre Burger in the fourth over. The stage was then set for Virat Kohli, who walked in at number three and forged a 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma. Rohit contributed a brisk 57 off 51 balls, including five fours and three sixes, before being dismissed.

Kohli continued to dominate, later adding a 76-run partnership with KL Rahul, during which he reached his 52nd ODI century off 102 balls. The Indian captain went on to score 135 runs off 120 balls, smashing 11 fours and seven sixes, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career. KL Rahul also played a vital role, scoring a composed 60 runs.

Chasing 350, South Africa struggled from the outset. Harshit Rana struck early, removing both Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks in the second over, while stand-in captain Aiden Markram fell cheaply for 7. Despite a 66-run fourth-wicket stand between Tony de Giorgi (39 off 35) and Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80), South Africa kept losing wickets at crucial intervals. Marco Jansen’s explosive 70 off 39 balls and Corbin Bosch’s 67 helped keep them in contention, but the efforts fell short.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets, while Harshit Rana added 3 to dismantle the South African lineup. In the end, South Africa fell 17 runs short, finishing at 332/10 with 4 balls to spare.

The match was highlighted by Kohli’s record-breaking century, which now makes him the player with the most international hundreds in a single format, further cementing his legacy as one of the modern greats of the game.

India’s solid batting depth, combined with incisive bowling performances from Kuldeep and Harshit, ensured a memorable start to the series, giving the home side confidence ahead of the second ODI.

Team Maverick.