Ranchi, November 30, 2025: A scintillating century from Virat Kohli and a match-winning four-wicket haul by Kuldeep Yadav helped India secure a tense 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match home series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Sunday.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram’s decision to field first backfired as India posted a commanding total of 349/8 in 50 overs. Kohli led the charge, scoring 135 off 120 balls, decorated with 11 fours and seven sixes, marking his 52nd ODI century and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in a single format.
Kohli stitched a crucial 136-run second-wicket partnership with Rohit Sharma, who contributed a brisk 57 off 51 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes. Following Kohli’s dismissal in the 43rd over, stand-in captain KL Rahul accelerated India’s innings with a 60 off 56 balls, adding three sixes and two fours, ensuring India posted a challenging total.
Chasing 350, South Africa fought valiantly but fell short, being bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs. Matthew Breetzke top-scored with 72 off 80 balls, while Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch contributed 70 and 67, respectively. Despite their efforts, consistent Indian bowling proved decisive.
Spinner Kuldeep Yadav starred with figures of 4/68 in 10 overs, supported by Harshit Rana (3 wickets), Arshdeep Singh (2 wickets), and Prasidh Krishna (1 wicket), ultimately denying the Proteas the target.
The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second ODI scheduled in Raipur on Wednesday.
Kohli’s century also marked another historic milestone: he broke Tendulkar’s record for the most hundreds in a single format, achieving 52 ODI centuries in 294 innings, surpassing Tendulkar’s 51 Test centuries in 329 innings. Earlier this year, he had also broken Tendulkar’s record for the fastest 14,000 ODI runs, reaching the mark in just 287 innings.
Top centuries in men’s cricket (single format)
- Virat Kohli (ODI) – 52 in 294 innings
- Sachin Tendulkar (Tests) – 51 in 329 innings
- Glenn Maxwell (T20Is) – 5 in 115 innings
India’s batting depth, spearheaded by Kohli, Sharma, and Rahul, combined with Kuldeep Yadav’s spin magic, ensured a thrilling opener for the home fans and set the tone for the series.
