Cricket
India draw first blood in Ranchi─── MORGAN PIEK 09:18 Mon, 01 Dec 2025
India drew first blood in the three-match One-Day International series with a hard-fought 17-run win over the Proteas in the opening game in Ranchi on Sunday.
After being sent in to bat, India posted a commanding 349/8 in their 50 overs. Virat Kohli was at his masterful best, crafting a superb 135 off 120 balls, while captain KL Rahul added a steady 60. Rohit Sharma chipped in with a stylish 57 off 51 deliveries, and Ravindra Jadeja provided late fireworks with 32 off just 20 balls.
Former Knights seamer Ottniel Baartman was the pick of the South African bowlers, returning figures of 2/60. Nandré Burger held his own with 2/65 from his 10 overs, while Corbin Bosch claimed 2/66. The lanky left-arm quick Marco Jansen also grabbed two wickets.
Virat Kohli celebrates his 52nd ODI century. Photo: Cricinfo
South Africa’s chase got off to a nightmare start as they crashed to 11/3 inside the first five overs, with Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, and Quinton de Kock all falling cheaply. It required a major rebuild – and the middle order duly delivered.
Matthew Breetzke continued his impressive start to ODI cricket with a well-played 72, his fifth fifty in just 10 matches. Jansen then showcased his all-round value with a blistering 70 off 39 balls, smashing eight fours and three sixes to keep the Proteas in the contest. Bosch added 67 off 51 in a spirited effort, but South Africa were eventually bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav proved to be India’s trump card with the ball, taking 4/60 in his 10 overs. Harshit Rana supported him well with 3/65, while Arshdeep Singh claimed 2/64.
After the match, Potchefstroom-born Jansen said that while the defeat stung, the Proteas were not far off – and that India’s fast start with the bat ultimately created the gap.
“I think tonight we didn’t bowl too badly. It was a good wicket, and they managed to get early wickets, which put us on the back foot,” said Jansen.
Marco Jansen. Photo: Cricinfo
“We pulled it back a bit, but they took two or three wickets in the middle and applied pressure really well. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take it to the end.
“Going forward into the second and third ODIs, it’s just a case of keeping on doing what we’re doing, because we’re doing the right things. It’s about building on those things, the same way we’ve been doing in the Test squad. I think once we get on a roll, we’ll be in a good position.”
The second ODI takes place on Wednesday in Raipur.
