RANCHI, INDIA – December 1, 2025 – India clinched a gripping 17-run victory over South Africa in the series opener at JSCA International Stadium on Sunday, posting 349 for eight before restricting the visitors to 332 in a match that showcased white-ball mastery.
Virat Kohli's 52nd ODI century—a fluent 135 off 120 balls—proved decisive, blending elegant drives with calculated risks alongside Rohit Sharma's 76. The duo's 136-run stand rescued India from 25 for one, setting a daunting target after Yashasvi Jaiswal's early exit.
South Africa's response ignited with Quinton de Kock's aggressive 42 off 28, but Arshdeep Singh's new-ball burst—dismissing Ryan Rickelton and de Kock in consecutive overs—left them reeling at 7 for two. Aiden Markram (31) and Tony de Zorzi (42) rebuilt, yet Kuldeep Yadav's spin wizardry (3-52) dismantled the middle order.
Corbin Bosch emerged hero, smashing a maiden ODI fifty (67 off 51) with Marco Jansen's 70 fueling a 155-run stand for the sixth wicket—the highest for South Africa against India in ODIs. Needing 19 off the last over, Bosch's lofted cover drive fell to Rohit Sharma, and Prasidh Krishna (2-49) held firm for the win.
Captain KL Rahul lauded Kohli: "His experience turned the game." Aiden Markram rued: "We fought, but early wickets hurt."
