India edged out South Africa by 17 runs in a pulsating first ODI in Ranchi, despite a ferocious counter-attack from Marco Jansen that momentarily revived the Proteas’ hopes of chasing down a daunting target of 349. The tourists, known historically for scripting the greatest run chase in ODI history—435 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2016—once again showed why they are never truly out of a contest. At one stage, India’s imposing total looked insufficient.
Earlier, India were powered by a majestic 135 from Virat Kohli, his 52nd ODI century. The former captain paced his innings perfectly, striking seven towering sixes and anchoring the batting line-up with complete authority. Captain Rohit Sharma complemented him with a brisk 57 off 51 balls; in the process, he drew level with Shahid Afridi’s record for the most sixes in ODI history, striking his 352nd maximum.
South Africa’s chase, however, began disastrously. Reduced to 11 for 3, they seemed destined for collapse. Yet Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke restored some stability before the former fell for 39 off 35 balls with the score at 77 for 4. Dewald Brevis added an energetic 37 from 28 balls, but his departure opened the door for Jansen’s theatrics.
What followed was a stunning display of power hitting. Jansen smashed 70 from just 39 deliveries—eight fours and three sixes—dominating a 97-run sixth-wicket partnership with Breetzke, who compiled a well-constructed 72 from 80 balls. Both fell in quick succession to Kuldeep Yadav, whose four wickets ultimately proved decisive.
Corbin Bosch kept the tension alive with a valiant 57 off 51 balls, clubbing four sixes, but with 18 required off the final over and only one wicket in hand, South Africa’s resistance finally wilted. India closed out the match with relief more than comfort.
The win gives India a 1–0 lead in the three-match series, with the next fixture scheduled for Wednesday in Raipur.