Virat Kohli century smashed in ODI, powering India to a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first match of their three-game series here on Sunday. The win hands India a 1-0 lead and marks a strong start after their recent Test series defeat.
India posted 349 for eight in 50 overs at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. South Africa fell short at 332 all out, chasing in a high-scoring thriller that saw 681 runs aggregate – the highest in any ODI between these sides. Kohli’s 135 off 120 balls, with 11 fours and seven sixes, proved decisive.
This victory lifts spirits in South Asia, where cricket unites fans across borders. In India and Pakistan, Kohli’s knock revives hopes for the 2027 ICC World Cup, while South Africa’s fight showcases emerging talent that could shape bilateral rivalries. The series opener highlights the format’s enduring appeal in the region, drawing millions of viewers and boosting youth participation in academies from Mumbai to Lahore.
Virat Kohli Century Ranchi: The Anchor That Turned the Tide
Virat Kohli century Ranchi became the story of the day as the 37-year-old anchored India’s innings on a flat pitch. He walked in at 31 for one after Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 18. Partnering with captain Rohit Sharma, Kohli built a 136-run stand for the second wicket. Sharma scored 57 off 51 balls, including five fours and three sixes, before Marco Jansen dismissed him.
Kohli reached his half-century off 62 balls. He accelerated, hitting seven sixes to clear the ropes with ease. A 76-run partnership with KL Rahul, who made 60 off 56, steadied the middle order. Ravindra Jadeja added 32 off 20 to push the total past 340. South Africa’s bowlers struggled, with Nandre Burger and Corbin Bosch leaking runs. Prenelan Subrayen finished with figures of 0 for 73.
Post-match, Kohli spoke of his preparation. “I wanted to get hold of conditions in Ranchi. I visualise the game a lot. When I think about the game, if I see myself being intense and sharp, I know I can relax and play out there,” he said. He arrived three days early for nets. “I’ve played 300-odd ODI games. If you’re in touch with the game and able to hit balls in practice, if you bat for an hour or two in the nets, you know you’re good.”
This was Kohli’s 52nd ODI century, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most hundreds in a single format. Tendulkar had 49 ODI tons; Kohli now leads at 52. It also marked his 83rd international century, second only to Tendulkar’s 100. In Ranchi, Kohli surpassed Tendulkar’s mark of 351 ODI sixes against South Africa.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised the knock. “There’s no questions about anything,” Kotak said on Kohli’s form and fitness ahead of the 2027 World Cup. “His fine batting form and fitness still intact.” Kotak noted Kohli’s role in mentoring youngsters like Harshit Rana, who took early wickets.
The innings set a challenging target on a pitch that offered true bounce early but slowed later. Dew aided batting in the second innings, but India’s bowlers adapted. Kohli earned player of the match for his effort.
India South Africa Ranchi Highlights: Bowlers Seal the Deal
India south Africa Ranchi highlights will replay for weeks, especially the final overs. South Africa started strongly, reaching 11 for three quickly. Harshit Rana struck twice, dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks. Arshdeep Singh removed Aiden Markram for seven.
Matthew Breetzke fought back with 72. But Kuldeep Yadav turned the game. The left-arm spinner took four for 68, including Breetzke and Jansen in the 34th over. South Africa slumped to 289 for eight needing 61 off seven overs.
Marco Jansen smashed 70 off 39 balls, with four sixes. Corbin Bosch added 67 off 51 for his maiden ODI fifty. Their 100-plus stand for the ninth wicket nearly stole the match. India needed calm heads. Kuldeep Yadav struck again, and Prasidh Krishna caught Bosch in the last over. South Africa needed 50 off the final six but managed only 32.
Captain KL Rahul hailed the bowlers. “It’s always fun to watch them play like that, play with that freedom… put oppositions under pressure, make them look silly at times and just show the world why they are who they are,” Rahul said of Kohli and Sharma. On the chase, he added, “A lot of Credit goes to Harshit for taking early wickets because otherwise, it would have been easy for batters to score runs in such dew.”
Washington Sundar and Jadeja supported with tight lines. Arshdeep finished with one for 45. The win came despite India losing 19 straight ODI tosses – South Africa’s Aiden Markram opted to field first. This was India’s first ODI win over South Africa since the 2023 World Cup semi-final. The aggregate of 681 runs beat the previous high of 647 from 2015. Fans in South Asia celebrated late into the night, with social media buzzing over india south Africa ranchi highlights clips.
Kohli 52nd ODI Century South Africa: Record-Breaking Feat
Kohli 52nd ODI century South Africa etched history in Ranchi. The knock came off 102 balls for his hundred, with five sixes and seven fours in the milestone. It silenced doubts after his Test retirement. Kohli focused on ODIs, saying, “All my cricket has been mental. As long as my fitness levels are up and I am feeling well, it’s good.”
The century boosted India’s middle order. Rahul’s 60 included aggressive shots against Burger. Jadeja’s late flourish – two sixes – lifted the score. South Africa’s fielding erred, with misfields costing 20 runs. In the broader context, Kohli’s form reassures South Asian fans. Pakistan viewers tuned in for the rivalry angle, while Bangladesh and Sri Lanka scouts noted spin options like Yadav. The BCCI reported record viewership, over 150 million in India alone.
South Africa showed fight. Jansen’s counter-attack included 44 runs in the last three overs. Bosch’s fifty came off 45 balls. But Yadav’s variations – including a review upheld on the last ball – sealed it. Umpire Shaun Jaffer and third umpire Shaun George handled tight calls. The match lasted 99.3 overs, with no rain interruptions. Attendance topped 35,000, per stadium officials.
India Win Ranchi ODI by 17 Runs: Thriller Unfolds
India win Ranchi ODI by 17 runs capped a see-saw contest. Early collapse to 11 for three gave India control. Breetzke’s 72 off 85 steadied, but Yadav’s double strike shifted momentum. Needing 18 off 12 with two wickets, South Africa hit boundaries, but Krishna’s yorkers prevailed. Rohit Sharma broke Shahid Afridi’s ODI sixes record with three in his knock. The Rohit-Kohli pair now holds the most international appearances together at 392, edging Sachin-Rahul Dravid.
Post-match, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed Test comeback rumours for Kohli. “What’s being said about Virat Kohli is just a rumour. There has been no conversation with Kohli about this. Do not give weight to rumours.” The victory evens the limited-overs ledger after South Africa’s 2-0 Test sweep. It signals India’s white-ball depth, vital for South Asia’s cricket calendar.
Background
India and South Africa entered the ODI series on contrasting notes. South Africa whitewashed India 2-0 in Tests, their first series win in India since 2010. India rested stars like Jasprit Bumrah for ODIs, handing debuts to Rana and others. Kohli and Rohit returned focused on the 50-over format post-T20 retirement.
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, aimed to build on Test success. Their squad blended experience – de Kock’s return – with youth like Bosch. The Ranchi pitch, known for high scores, promised a run-fest. Historical head-to-head: South Africa leads ODIs 51-50, but India dominates at home. This tour tests both ahead of global events. India eyes World Cup qualification; South Africa seeks consistency.
What’s Next
The second ODI shifts to Raipur on Wednesday, December 3. India leads 1-0. Expect dew to influence toss again. Kohli’s form could target another big score. South Africa must regroup batting. A series win would cement India’s ODI resurgence. Virat Kohli century Ranchi sets the tone for a gripping decider.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 1st, 2025
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