Ranchi, Nov 30: The three-match ODI series began with a pulsating high-scoring encounter at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, where a Virat Kohli masterclass guided India to a tense 17-run victory over a fiercely competitive South Africa side on Sunday (November 30).
Having been put in to bat, the KL Rahul-led Indian team posted a monumental total of 349/8 in their stipulated 50 overs. The foundation was laid by batting maestro Virat Kohli, who registered his 52nd ODI century, a magnificent 135 off 120 balls. Kohli's historic ton was complemented by crucial half-centuries from opener Rohit Sharma (57) and captain KL Rahul (60), setting a challenging target of 350.
Proteas' Spirited, Record-Breaking Chase
The South African innings got off to a disastrous start, slumping
to 11/3 early on due to an excellent opening spell from Harshit Rana (3/65). The score further worsened to 130/5, but the Proteas staged an extraordinary fightback.
The middle and lower order took the attack to the Indian bowlers, led by a blistering 97-run partnership between Marco Jansen (70 off 39) and Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80). Even after this stand was broken by a double-strike from Kuldeep Yadav (4/68), Corbin Bosch (67 off 51) maintained the pressure, making full use of the evening dew that hindered the Indian bowlers. The visitors pushed the chase right into the final over but ultimately fell short, finishing at 332 all out in 49.2 overs.
Full List Of Award Winners In the Match and Key Performers
Virat Kohli was rightly named the Player of the Match for his match-defining innings.
| Award | Winner/Prize Money Details |
|---|---|
| Apollo Tyres Go The Distance Award | Rohit Sharma (97m Six) - Rs 1 lakh |
| Campa Great Striker of the Match | Virat Kohli (11 fours) - Rs 1 lakh |
| Atomberg Smart Saver of the Match | Dewald Brevis (SA) - for the Catch of Ruturaj Gaikwad - Rs 1 lakh |
| Player of the Match | Virat Kohli - Rs 1 lakh |
Here are the key stats from the IND vs SA 1st ODI
- Most Centuries in a Single Format: With his 52nd ODI ton, Virat Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar (51 Test centuries) for the most centuries scored by a batsman in a single format of international cricket.
- Highest IND vs SA Match Aggregate: The combined total of 681 runs in the match, along with 28 sixes, is the highest-ever match aggregate for an ODI between India and South Africa.
- Record-Breaking Recovery: South Africa became the first team in ODI history to breach the 300-run mark in a run-chase after losing their first three wickets for under 15 (starting at 11/3).
- Highest Total Without a Century (Chase): The Proteas' total of 332 is their highest-ever in an ODI run-chase without a single individual hundred.
- Lower Order Power: The innings featured multiple 50-plus scores from No.7 or lower for South Africa for just the fifth time in their ODI history, thanks to the contributions of Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67).
