India Clinches Thrilling 17-Run Win Against Proteas

India secured a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI of the series in Ranchi. However, the game was far from one-sided, thanks to a resilient lower-order effort from the Proteas. With this dramatic win on Sunday, Rohit Sharma’s side takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a massive target of 350, South Africa started disastrously. Harshit Rana struck twice in the second over, followed by Arshdeep Singh dismissing captain Aiden Markram. Within just five overs, the visitors were reeling at 11/3, in a precarious situation.

At this stage, Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke put together a small partnership. However, Kuldeep Yadav broke that stand. Dewald Brevis then entertained the crowd with some attacking shots, but Rana dismissed him to put South Africa back under pressure.

The drama returned when Marco Jansen unleashed a destructive innings, scoring 70 off just 39 balls to bring South Africa back into contention. Breetzke also reached his half-century at the other end. With the game seeming to slip away from India, Kuldeep Yadav turned the match on its head by dismissing both set batters in a single over.

At 228/7, the match seemed almost settled, but Corbin Bosch revived the fight for the visitors. He scored his maiden ODI half-century and brought South Africa close to the target. With 18 runs needed off the final over, Bosch finally mistimed a shot and was caught, ending South Africa’s challenge. They were bowled out for 332, falling short by 17 runs.

Earlier, India had posted a formidable 349/8. Virat Kohli starred with his 52nd ODI century, scoring 135 runs off 120 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed 57 and KL Rahul added 60, laying the foundation for a massive total.

The second ODI of the series will be played on Wednesday in Raipur.