India secured a thrilling 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI on Sunday in Ranchi, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing 350, South Africa’s innings got off to a disastrous start, with the top order crumbling under India's devastating bowling attack. Aiden Markram managed only 7 runs, while Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock departed for ducks, putting South Africa in deep trouble.
However, South Africa mounted an incredible fightback, with Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70) stitching together a vital partnership, stabilising the innings and keeping the Proteas alive in the game. Later, Corbin Bosch ignited further hope with a scintillating 67-run knock, but Indian bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages, bowling South Africa out for 332 in 49.2 overs.
Earlier, asked to bat, India posted a massive 349/8 in 50 overs, following a magnificent 135-run knock from Virat Kohli. The star batter pummelled South African bowlers all over the park to raise his 52nd ODI hundred. Rohit Sharma (57) provided a fluent start at the top, while skipper KL Rahul (60) added crucial runs in the middle order to take India to a big total.