In the fast-paced world of modern one-day cricket, the art of building a classical, commanding innings is becoming a rarity. That said, it is this very approach that often separates a good score from a truly match-winning one, providing the foundation upon which victory is built.
Virat Kohli offered a masterclass in this exact skill on Sunday, reaffirming his immense value to India’s ODI team. His beautifully paced 52nd century (135 off 120 balls) was the centrepiece of India’s formidable total of 349 for eight against South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi. This knock was a superb display of control, blending elegant stroke-play with timely acceleration on a batting-friendly surface.
Under the hood, India’s innings was powered by a significant 136-run stand for the second wicket between Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who himself contributed a brisk 57. This partnership set a perfect platform. Paired with late-innings hitting from KL Rahul, who scored 60, and a quick 32 from Ravindra Jadeja, India managed to post a total that put them in a very strong position at the halfway mark.
South Africa’s chase, however, was a tale of spirited resistance. Despite losing early wickets, they were kept in the contest through a series of determined efforts. Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (67) all played counter-attacking innings that certainly gave the hosts moments of concern. The dew was also a factor, making it slightly tougher for the Indian bowlers to grip the ball under lights.
Ultimately, India’s bowlers held their nerve to secure the win. Pacer Harshit Rana made a significant impact with a triple strike, finishing with figures of 3 for 54. However, it was Kuldeep Yadav’s spell of 4 for 68 that proved decisive; his twin-wicket over broke a threatening 97-run partnership and tilted the game firmly in India’s favour, ensuring the visitors’ chase fell short.
This hard-fought 17-run victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
What did you think of Virat Kohli’s match-winning century? Let us know in the comments below.
