Kohli Creates History with Record-Breaking Century
In a spectacular display of batting mastery, Virat Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century to lead India to a thrilling 17-run victory against South Africa in the first ODI match played on Sunday. The iconic batsman's magnificent 135 runs from 120 deliveries formed the backbone of India's imposing total of 349 for 8 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex.
Kohli's achievement marked a significant milestone in cricket history as he surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record of 51 Test hundreds to become the batter with the most centuries in a single format. The moment he reached his hundred with a boundary off Marco Jansen was so electrifying that it prompted a pitch invasion by an enthusiastic spectator.
Solid Partnerships Build India's Dominant Total
The Indian innings received a massive boost from a 136-run partnership between Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, who contributed 57 runs from just 51 balls. This collaboration provided the hosts with a solid foundation after an early wicket threatened to disrupt their momentum.
Rohit Sharma also achieved a personal milestone during his innings, hitting his 352nd six in ODIs to move past Shahid Afridi's previous record of 351 sixes. Later in the innings, KL Rahul added valuable 60 runs from 56 balls to ensure India posted a challenging target.
Bowling Heroes Secure Hard-Fought Victory
South Africa's chase began disastrously as young pacer Harshit Rana produced a sensational three-wicket burst, dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock within three deliveries. Arshdeep Singh compounded the visitors' troubles by removing Aiden Markram for 7, leaving South Africa reeling at 11 for 3 in the fifth over.
Despite the early setbacks, South Africa mounted a strong comeback through partnerships between Tony de Zorzi (39) and Matthew Breetzke (72), followed by a 97-run stand between Breetzke and Marco Jansen (70). The presence of dew throughout the evening made bowling difficult for India, allowing South Africa to score more freely.
The match turned decisively in India's favor when Kuldeep Yadav claimed four crucial wickets, including a double strike in the 34th over that removed both Breetzke and Jansen within three deliveries. The left-arm spinner's performance proved instrumental in breaking South Africa's resistance.
In a tense finish, South Africa needed 18 runs from the final over with one wicket remaining. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Corbin Bosch (67) with his second delivery to wrap up the innings at 332 in 49.2 overs, securing a 1-0 lead for India in the three-match series.
The victory not only gives India series advantage but also provides confidence about the roles of senior players as the team builds toward future challenges. The second ODI is scheduled to be played in Raipur on Wednesday, where India will look to clinch the series.
