Virat Kohli’s century, Kuldeep Yadav’s four-fer guide India to 17-run win over South Africa; lead series 1-0

Virat Kohli’s magnificent 135 runs and Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive 4-wicket haul carried India to a narrow 17-run win against South Africa in the series opener at the JSCA International Stadium, giving the home team a 1-0 advantage. India posted a total of 349/8 after being asked to bat first, with Kohli’s innings – marking his 52nd ODI century – surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries in a single format.

Returning home after nearly a year, Kohli formed a solid 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma (57 off 51), who also broke Shahid Afridi’s record for most ODI sixes (352). The former skipper’s innings lasted 120 balls and included 11 fours and seven sixes; this was highlighted by the fan invasion during the milestone celebration at Marco Jansen.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (18) was dismissed early, but Kohli’s elegant cover moves and skilful movements eliminated the South African bowling attack, helping India surpass 300 runs despite losing wickets towards the end. KL Rahul also played a crucial role, contributing 60 runs and taking India past the 340-run mark.

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South Africa’s 350-run chase started out disastrously, largely due to Harshit Rana’s aggressive bowling. The young pacer took on Ryan Rickelton and the dangerous Quinton de Kock to move past the top spot with a remarkable opener. Rana returned to stop a promising counter-attack by dismissing Dewald Brevis and finished with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 65 runs.

Despite a commendable effort from Matthew Breetzke and a thrilling late innings from Marco Jansen (who scored a quick 26-ball fifty), the target proved too steep. South Africa were ultimately bowled out for 332, giving India victory and a vital 1-0 lead in the series.

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