India clinched a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi on Sunday, sealing a high-scoring contest marked by momentum swings, standout individual performances and tense endgame drama.

Batting first, India posted an imposing 349/8, anchored by Virat Kohli’s masterful 52nd ODI century — a record he continues to stretch with remarkable consistency. Kohli was in complete control throughout his innings, pacing his knock with trademark precision and calm. Skipper Rohit Sharma set the tone with a fluent fifty at the top, while stand-in captain KL Rahul added another composed half-century, ensuring India maintained dominance despite occasional breakthroughs by the South African bowlers. Cameos down the order pushed the total to a formidable level on a pitch offering true bounce but demanding smart shot selection.

South Africa’s reply began in disarray as India’s young pacer Harshit Rana delivered a fiery opening spell, claiming two wickets in a single over and reducing the visitors to 11/3. What followed, however, was a remarkable fightback. Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67) counterattacked with fearless stroke play, stitching together crucial partnerships that resurrected South Africa’s hopes and put India under pressure.

But Kuldeep Yadav once again proved to be India’s game-changer. The left-arm wrist-spinner delivered a sensational spell, breaking the backbone of the South African chase with four wickets. His double strike — removing both Breetzke and Jansen in the same over — turned the match decisively in India’s favour just as the visitors seemed poised for a shock upset.

South Africa were eventually bowled out for 332 in the final over, falling short despite their spirited fight. With this hard-fought win, India go 1-0 up in the three-match series and head into the next ODI with confidence and momentum on their side.

India clinched a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi on Sunday, sealing a high-scoring contest marked by momentum swings, standout individual performances and tense endgame drama.

Batting first, India posted an imposing 349/8, anchored by Virat Kohli’s masterful 52nd ODI century — a record he continues to stretch with remarkable consistency. Kohli was in complete control throughout his innings, pacing his knock with trademark precision and calm. Skipper Rohit Sharma set the tone with a fluent fifty at the top, while stand-in captain KL Rahul added another composed half-century, ensuring India maintained dominance despite occasional breakthroughs by the South African bowlers. Cameos down the order pushed the total to a formidable level on a pitch offering true bounce but demanding smart shot selection.

South Africa’s reply began in disarray as India’s young pacer Harshit Rana delivered a fiery opening spell, claiming two wickets in a single over and reducing the visitors to 11/3. What followed, however, was a remarkable fightback. Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70) and Corbin Bosch (67) counterattacked with fearless stroke play, stitching together crucial partnerships that resurrected South Africa’s hopes and put India under pressure.

But Kuldeep Yadav once again proved to be India’s game-changer. The left-arm wrist-spinner delivered a sensational spell, breaking the backbone of the South African chase with four wickets. His double strike — removing both Breetzke and Jansen in the same over — turned the match decisively in India’s favour just as the visitors seemed poised for a shock upset.

South Africa were eventually bowled out for 332 in the final over, falling short despite their spirited fight. With this hard-fought win, India go 1-0 up in the three-match series and head into the next ODI with confidence and momentum on their side.