India lead by 350 runs against South Africa

India lead by 350 runs against South Africa in the 1st ODI after a dominant performance! Read about Virat Kohli’s sensational 135 and Rohit Sharma’s world-record

🏏 India‘s Dominance: A Day of Records and Run-Flow in Ranchi

Ranchi, November 30, 2025 – The first One Day International (ODI) between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi began with a resounding statement of intent from the home side. Led by a record-breaking century from the maestro, Virat Kohli, and robust half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, India posted a formidable total of 349 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The monumental effort, which sets South Africa a challenging target of 350, signals India’s fierce determination to bounce back after a difficult Test series.

The King’s Reign: Kohli’s Historic 52nd ODI Ton

The highlight of the Indian innings was undoubtedly the phenomenal performance by Virat Kohli. Arriving at the crease after the early loss of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kohli batted with his characteristic blend of composure and aggression, scoring a magnificent 135 runs off 120 balls. This century was significant not just for its match-winning impact, but for its place in the record books. It marked his 52nd ODI century, making him the first player in history to score 52 centuries in a single format of international cricket, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 51 Test hundreds.

Kohli’s innings was a masterclass, featuring 11 boundaries and a stunning seven maximums, many of which came as he accelerated towards the back end of his stay. He first anchored a crucial 136-run partnership with skipper Rohit Sharma, setting a solid foundation that later hitters could exploit. His switch of gears after reaching the milestone was breathtaking, as he took the attack to the Proteas’ spinners, hammering two sixes and two fours in a single over to propel India past the 250-run mark. Though he fell in the 43rd over, caught after miscuing a big shot, the damage was done, leaving the Ranchi crowd in raptures.

Solid Foundations and a Strong Finish

While Kohli provided the backbone, the other top-order batsmen ensured India maintained a high scoring rate. Captain Rohit Sharma was at his destructive best, slamming his 60th ODI fifty (57 runs off 51 balls), including five fours and three sixes. During his knock, he also surpassed Shahid Afridi to become the player with the most sixes in ODI history. Their partnership laid the platform, demonstrating a sublime synergy between the two modern greats.

The momentum was carried forward by KL Rahul, who continued his excellent form with a well-compiled half-century (60 runs off 56 balls). Rahul stabilized the middle order and then counter-attacked in the death overs, ensuring the run rate never dipped. His 56-ball innings included two fours and three sixes, providing the necessary flourish for India to reach a competitive total. Lower-order contributions from Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 20) also helped push the score closer to the 350-run psychological mark.

South Africa’s Mixed Bowling Effort

The South African bowlers found themselves under immense pressure for most of the innings, though they fought back well towards the close. Marco Jansen, who had a strong outing in the preceding Test series, eventually broke the formidable partnership between the ‘Ro-Ko’ duo by dismissing Sharma. The pacer, along with Ottneil Baartman, was among the pick of the bowlers. Baartman finished with figures of 2/60, while Jansen also chipped in with two wickets. However, the performance was a step down from the consistent pressure the Proteas managed to exert in the recent Test matches, with the lack of early swing and the flatness of the Ranchi pitch playing into the hands of the Indian batsmen.

The 349-run target is an intimidating one, especially in a series opener. South Africa will need a historic effort from their batsmen to chase down this total and prevent India from levelling the score in the tour. The stage is set for an enthralling second innings as the visitors, under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, prepare for what promises to be a grueling chase under lights.