IND vs SA: Kohli’s Stunning Ton Leads India to Victory in 1st ODI

The match swung repeatedly, but Virat Kohli’s brilliant century and India’s composed death-overs bowling proved decisive.

Batting first after winning the toss, India posted a strong 349/8 in 50 overs. The innings revolved around Virat Kohli’s majestic 135 off 120 balls, his 52nd ODI hundred, crafted with flawless timing and controlled aggression. Kohli kept the innings steady even as wickets fell around him. Rohit Sharma (57) gave India a brisk start, while KL Rahul (60) added valuable middle-order stability. India crossed 300 comfortably but South Africa’s late strikes prevented a total beyond 360.

Chasing 350, South Africa began shakily, losing two early wickets before Matthew Breetzke revived the innings with a confident 72. The real momentum shift came from lower-order power. Marco Jansen smashed 70 off 49, and Corbin Bosch produced a brilliant 67 off 51, taking the match deep into the final overs. At one stage, South Africa needed just 56 off 36 balls, swinging the crowd into nervous silence.

But India’s bowlers held their nerve. Kuldeep Yadav led the attack with 4/61, breaking crucial partnerships with sharp turn and clever variations. Harshit Rana provided key breakthroughs, while Prasidh Krishna delivered a clutch final over. With South Africa needing 18 from 6, Krishna bowled a dot first ball and dismissed Bosch on the second, sealing India’s win with calm precision.

For his match-winning century — full of class, temperament, and perfect pacing, Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match.

With momentum on their side, India now look to seal the series in the second ODI, while South Africa must regroup quickly after coming agonizingly close.