IND vs SA 1st ODI: India seal convincing victory over South Africa by 17 runs
Virat Kohli’s brilliant century and Rohit Sharma’s fluent fifty guided India to a dominant win over South Africa in the 1st ODI at Ranchi.
Last Updated: 10.26 PM, Nov 30, 2025
India registered a commanding victory in the 1st ODI against South Africa by 17 runs at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, riding on a sensational batting display led by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. After South Africa opted to bowl first, the Men in Blue made full use of favorable batting conditions, constructing an innings built on partnerships, patience, and bursts of acceleration at crucial moments.
India did not get the ideal start, losing an early wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, but Rohit Sharma quickly took charge of the innings. His fluent strokeplay, timing, and confidence were evident from the outset as he raced to a well-crafted 57 off 51 balls.
Rohit’s intent ensured that India maintained a healthy run rate, preventing early pressure after the first breakthrough. Alongside him, Kohli played himself in steadily before switching gears with the kind of mastery that has defined his ODI career.
South Africa struggle to beat India in 1st ODI
Once settled, Virat Kohli completely dominated the South African bowling attack. His ability to rotate strike seamlessly, find gaps, and pick the right moments to attack allowed India to stay ahead throughout the innings. Kohli’s (135) century, one filled with precision, controlled aggression, and remarkable consistency, was the highlight of the match.
His ton not only lifted the scoring rate but also demoralized the South African bowlers, who struggled to find answers despite rotating their attack frequently. India’s middle order contributed valuable runs as well, ensuring the momentum never dipped. Useful cameos from Ravindra Jadeja (32) and KL Rahul (60) pushed India to an imposing total of 349 for 8 in their 50 overs.
Like India, the Proteas also didn’t have a dream start, losing three quick wickets. However, the partnerships from Matthew Breetzke (72), Tony de Zorzi (39), Dewald Brevis (37), and Marco Jansen (70) almost changed the game’s results. Moreover, Corbin Bosch’s 67 off 57 balls was a brilliant innings, as he took the game to the last over.
South Africa needed 18 runs in six balls with just a wicket in hand. While it looked like Bosch would take the game home, Prasidh Krishna’s stellar bowling helped India win the match and take a lead in the series, 1-0. For an astounding performance, Virat Kohli won the Player of the Match award.
How to watch India vs South Africa, ODI series?
Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa, ODI series from November 30 on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.