## India Survive Late Scare After Kohli’s 52nd ODI Ton
India edged past South Africa in the first ODI of the 2025–26 series held in Ranchi, surviving a tense finish thanks to Virat Kohli’s 52nd career ODI century. The hosts managed to defend their total despite late pressure from the South African lower order.
### Match Overview
India posted a competitive total after being put to bat first. Kohli led the innings with a composed hundred, supported by steady contributions from the middle order. His strike rotation and calm approach anchored the Indian innings and helped the team cross the 300-run mark.
South Africa’s bowlers, particularly in the middle overs, restricted boundaries and forced India to rebuild after initial momentum. However, late hitting in the final overs gave India a crucial push, ensuring a defendable target on a surface offering some bounce and grip.
### South Africa’s Chase
Chasing the target, South Africa began strongly through their openers, keeping the required run rate within reach. Quinton de Kock’s fluent stroke play kept the scoreboard ticking, while Aiden Markram tried to consolidate the middle overs. However, quick wickets in succession shifted the balance back in India’s favor.
Towards the end, the lower order, led by Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen, launched a spirited counterattack, bringing the match to a thrilling conclusion. Their resilience forced India to stay alert in the final overs as the margin narrowed.
### India’s Bowling Highlights
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj delivered under pressure in the closing stages, maintaining tight lines and executing yorkers effectively. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin spell through the middle overs also played a key role in slowing down South Africa’s momentum.
### Kohli’s Milestone
With this ton, Kohli reaffirmed his stature as one of ODI cricket’s greats, surpassing several long-standing records and adding another defining innings to his career. His determination and composure underlined India’s ability to stabilize and recover even when early wickets fell.
> "It was about applying myself and building partnerships. We knew runs on this pitch were always valuable," said Virat Kohli after receiving the Player of the Match award.
### Match Result
India won by a narrow margin, sealing a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The victory highlighted their depth and composure, with experienced players stepping up during critical moments.
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**Author’s Summary:** Kohli’s masterful century and disciplined bowling helped India edge past South Africa in Ranchi, securing a tense first ODI win and taking a 1–0 series lead.
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ESPNcricinfo — 2025-11-30