Ranchi, India – November 30, 2025 – In a pulsating encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last over, India clinched a dramatic 17-run victory over South Africa in the first One-Day International at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. This gripping contest, filled with record-breaking individual brilliance and an astonishing show of resilience from both sides, signals a compelling start to the three-match series. The win gives India a crucial 1-0 lead, but the Proteas’ valiant chase highlighted their fighting spirit, leaving the series finely poised.

Kohli’s Unforgettable 52nd ODI Century: King Returns to Ranchi’s Throne

The day undeniably belonged to Virat Kohli, who, at 37 years young, rewound the clock with a masterful display of ODI batting. Kohli smashed a record-extending 52nd ODI century, a monumental achievement that saw him surpass legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 51 Test centuries for the most tons by a batter in a single format. His scintillating innings of 135 runs off just 120 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and 7 towering sixes, was a testament to his enduring class and unmatched hunger for runs. Kohli’s commanding presence at the crease provided the backbone of India’s formidable total of 349/8.

As former India captain and batting maestro Sunil Gavaskar aptly hailed him as the ‘Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T)’ in ODIs, Kohli’s performance in Ranchi, a venue where he boasted an average of nearly 200 before this match, was nothing short of majestic. This knock, coming at a crucial juncture, certainly solidifies his undeniable spot for the upcoming 2027 World Cup, demonstrating that the ‘King’ still reigns supreme in the 50-over format.

India’s Batting Blitz: Rohit’s Record and Rahul’s Leadership

While Kohli anchored the innings, he received stellar support from the top order. Rohit Sharma continued his impressive run of form, notching up his 60th ODI fifty, his third consecutive half-century in the format. More significantly, Rohit etched his name into the history books by becoming the most prolific six-hitter in ODI cricket, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record of 351 maximums. His two sixes against Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen took his tally to 352, achieving this feat in a remarkable 100 fewer matches than Afridi. As Ravi Shastri exclaimed on commentary, ‘That’s skill, that’s class, that’s experience for you.’ This record underscores Rohit’s evolution from a middle-order talent to one of white-ball cricket’s most destructive openers.

Stand-in skipper KL Rahul, entrusted with leading the side, played a vital run-a-ball fifty, providing crucial impetus in the death overs and taking India close to the 350-run mark. The team also saw promising starts from young Yashasvi Jaiswal (18), playing only his second ODI, and Ruturaj Gaikwad (replacing an injured Shreyas Iyer at No. 4), who has been rewarded for his ‘Player of the Series’ performance for India A against South Africa A. Washington Sundar, batting at No. 5 in Axar Patel’s absence, also chipped in with a useful cameo, including a six off Nandre Burger. These selections highlight the ‘bold calls’ made by the team management under head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose tactical decisions are under scrutiny following a recent Test series setback.

Proteas’ Resurgence: A Valiant Chase Against All Odds

Chasing a daunting target of 350, South Africa’s innings started disastrously, reeling at a shocking 11/3 inside the first five overs. Pacers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh tore through the top order, dismissing Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, and captain Aiden Markram early. At that point, not many would have given the Proteas a chance to even put up a fight.

However, what followed was a stunning display of grit and power-hitting that dragged the game ‘right to the end.’ Matthew Breetzke (72 runs), Marco Jansen (a breathtaking 70 off just 39 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes), and Corbin Bosch (a relentless 67 runs, including 4 fours and 2 sixes) orchestrated a remarkable comeback. Jansen’s aggressive fifty, reached in a mere 26 balls, injected life into the chase, while Breetzke’s anchoring knock provided stability. Late cameos from Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis (37 off 21 balls, including two sixes against Ravindra Jadeja), Prenelan Subrayen, and Nandre Burger ensured the required run-rate remained within reach, even as wickets tumbled. Despite falling short by 17 runs, South Africa’s valiant effort for 332 all out speaks volumes about their character and the positives they can take into the next match.

Indian Bowlers Hold Their Nerve: Kuldeep’s X-Factor and Rana’s Early Fire

The Indian bowling unit, despite conceding a high total, managed to hold its nerve when it mattered most. Young Harshit Rana was exceptional with the new ball, dismissing Ryan Rickelton with his very first delivery and following it up by sending Quinton de Kock back to the pavilion in the same over. His early twin strikes were instrumental in derailing South Africa’s chase from the outset. Rana’s fiery spell also saw him take the crucial wicket of Dewald Brevis, punctuated by a ‘pointed finger’ send-off, highlighting his competitive spirit.

However, it was Kuldeep Yadav, the ‘X-factor’ spinner, who truly made the difference. Finishing with an impressive 4/68, Kuldeep delivered the decisive blow by dismissing both Marco Jansen and Matthew Breetzke in the same over, breaking two dangerous partnerships and turning the tide back in India’s favour. His ‘DRS masterstroke,’ urged by Kohli, to dismiss Tony de Zorzi in his very first over also underscored his valuable contribution. Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna, despite some late pressure, managed to keep their composure in the death overs, with Arshdeep notably ‘keeping his cool’ to seal the victory as Rohit Sharma took the final catch off Corbin Bosch.

Tactical Battles and World Cup Auditions

The match was also a fascinating tactical battle. South Africa’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss, expecting assistance from dew in the evening, initially seemed plausible. However, India’s formidable total, particularly Kohli’s brilliance, negated that advantage. The Indian team’s selection choices, including three frontline pacers and Washington Sundar batting at No. 5, were notable. The return of seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI setup is seen as a ‘short audition’ that ‘could well shape their 2027 World Cup fate.’ For head coach Gautam Gambhir, this series presents an ‘important opportunity… to stabilise the narrative and showcase clarity in India’s white-ball direction’ after recent setbacks.

This thrilling contest in Ranchi, played on a ‘good batting surface’ as predicted by the pitch report, sets a high benchmark for the remainder of the series. While India celebrate a hard-fought win, South Africa’s spirited performance ensures that the upcoming matches will be keenly contested, with both teams eager to refine their combinations and strategies with an eye on the future of ODI cricket.

---

Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.