Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century Leads India to Thrilling Win Over South Africa
In a spectacular display of cricketing brilliance, Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century powered India to a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the opening match of the three-game series. Played at a packed JSCA stadium in Ranchi, the match showcased a perfect blend of batting firepower and bowling mastery from the Indian team, setting the tone for the series.
Kohli was the star of the innings, scoring a commanding 135 off 120 balls. His innings was not just a collection of runs; it was a demonstration of experience, composure, and timing. After an early wicket, India’s innings could have faltered, but Kohli anchored the batting effort with a solid partnership of 136 runs with Rohit Sharma, who contributed a brisk 57 off 51 balls. KL Rahul added a crucial 60 later on, helping India post a formidable 349 for eight on what appeared to be a very flat pitch. Kohli’s century came off a boundary against Marco Jansen, an effort celebrated by fans with such enthusiasm that a spectator even briefly invaded the pitch.
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With this milestone, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 centuries in a single format, becoming the player with the most ODI hundreds in cricket history. Rohit Sharma also had a moment to celebrate, hitting his 352nd six in ODIs and surpassing Shahid Afridi’s previous tally of 351. The innings highlighted the continued importance of India’s senior players in guiding the team in high-pressure situations.
India’s bowlers then ensured the total was defended effectively. Harshit Rana produced an early burst, claiming three wickets, including dismissals of Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock in quick succession. Arshdeep Singh removed Aiden Markram early as well, leaving South Africa reeling at 11 for 3 in just the fifth over. Despite a few resilient partnerships from Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke, Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the match-winner with a brilliant four-wicket haul, including a pivotal double strike in the 34th over that turned the game decisively in India’s favor.
Dew played a role in the latter stages, making bowling a challenge, but India’s disciplined performance kept South Africa under constant pressure. In a nail-biting finish, Prasidh Krishna sealed the match by dismissing Corbin Bosch, leaving South Africa at 332 for nine in 49.2 overs.
The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the series and reinforced the enduring value of experience and skill. Kohli’s record-breaking century and the support from key players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav were celebrated not only for the victory but for the excitement and cricketing excellence they brought to the game. With the next ODI scheduled in Raipur, fans are eagerly anticipating another gripping contest in this series.
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