Virat Kohli’s Record 52nd ODI Ton, Kuldeep’s Four-Wicket Burst Seal India’s 17-Run Win Over South Africa in 1st ODI

India began their three-match ODI series against South Africa with a thrilling 17-run victory on Sunday, powered by Virat Kohli’s historic century, a crucial four-wicket spell from Kuldeep Yadav, and an impressive early burst from Harshit Rana.

Batting first on a flat JSCA surface, India put up 349/8, thanks to Kohli’s magnificent 135 off 120 balls, marking his 52nd ODI century — the most by any player in a single format, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record.

Kohli’s 136-run partnership with skipper Rohit Sharma (57 off 51) provided India a solid platform. Rohit also crossed a milestone, smashing his 352nd ODI six, overtaking Shahid Afridi (351).

Later, KL Rahul contributed a steady 60 off 56 balls to push India to a strong total.

Rana’s Early Strikes Put SA on the Back Foot

South Africa’s chase got off to a shaky start as Harshit Rana (3/54) removed Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in the same over. Arshdeep Singh (2/64) then dismissed Aiden Markram to leave the visitors reeling at 11/3 in the fifth over.

Tony de Zorzi (39) and Matthew Breetzke (72) steadied the innings before Kuldeep trapped Zorzi lbw. Dew on the outfield helped South Africa score more freely, but India continued to fight back with timely breakthroughs.

Dewald Brevis (37 off 28) threatened briefly before Rana dismissed him to make it 130/5.

Kuldeep Yadav Turns the Match

SA’s hopes revived when Breetzke and Marco Jansen (70) added a crucial 97-run stand, but Kuldeep changed the game in one over, removing both set batters within three balls. His final figures of 4/53 were pivotal in India regaining control.

Final Over Drama

South Africa entered the last over needing 18 runs with one wicket in hand, but Prasidh Krishna dismissed Corbin Bosch (67) on the second ball, bowling out SA for 332 in 49.2 overs, sealing India’s win.

With this victory, India take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI will be played in Raipur on Wednesday.