Post by : Mina Rahman
In a captivating cricket showdown, Ranchi saw former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shine brightly, forging a crucial second-wicket alliance of 136 runs that propelled India to a formidable score of 349-8, clinching a narrow 17-run victory against South Africa in the inaugural ODI.
Post-match, Indian skipper KL Rahul remarked, "Watching them play with such freedom and putting pressure on opponents showcases their true talent."
Batting first after losing the toss for the 19th consecutive ODI, India faced an early challenge as Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 18 runs in the fourth over, paving the way for Kohli. A missed catch from Rohit allowed them to settle in and construct their decisive partnership. Sharma reached his half-century in just 43 balls, hitting two consecutive sixes off spinner Prenelan Subrayen, before being dismissed lbw by Marco Jansen.
With India at a precarious 200-4, captain KL Rahul stepped up with a reliable 60 runs, while Kohli unleashed a fierce assault, finishing with 135 off 120 balls, including seven sixes and 11 fours. Ravindra Jadeja contributed a brisk 32 off 20 balls, ensuring India ended with a commanding total.
South Africa’s chase began poorly, losing their top order—Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, and Aiden Markram—cheaply. However, a recovery was mounted by Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70), who brought their side to 227-5. Yet, Kuldeep Yadav's remarkable four-wicket haul, which included pivotal dismissals, shifted the balance back to India.
In the closing stages, Corbin Bosch fought valiantly with 67 runs off 51 balls, supported by Nandre Burger, but their efforts came short as India’s bowlers stood strong. South Africa finished at 332, falling 17 runs short.
The teams will meet again on Wednesday in Raipur for the second ODI, promising yet another thrilling match.
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