India vs South Africa ODI Series 2025 match opener delivered a high-scoring thriller as India clinched the 1st ODI against South Africa by 17 runs at the iconic JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday. Powered by an extraordinary 135 from one of the modern greats, Virat Kohli, along with crucial half-centuries from captain Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60), India posted a commanding 349/8 in 50 overs, eventually defending the total despite a strong counterattack from the Proteas.
The win has given Team India a 1-0 advantage in the three-match ODI series, setting the tone for an electrifying contest ahead.
Kohli Dominates, India Sets 349/8
Batting first after losing young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the opening overs, India needed stability. That came in the form of a brilliant 100-run partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The duo paced the innings intelligently before Rohit was dismissed for 57.
Kohli, however, looked unstoppable. He went on to score 135 off 94 balls, smashing 12 fours and 4 sixes. His knock marked his:
- 52nd ODI century
- 83rd international hundred, crossing another elite milestone
- One of his most dominant innings on South African soil (in a bilateral away contest)
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed useful cameos to push India toward the 350-run mark.
For South Africa, the bowling effort was shared uniformly, with all-round pace attack members:
- Marco Jansen
- Nandre Burger
- Corbin Bosch
- Ottneil Baartman
Each taking two wickets apiece, keeping the game alive at different moments of India’s innings.
Proteas Fight Hard, Fall Short by 17 Runs
South Africa’s chase began steadily, led upfront by Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. Middle-order youngster Dewald Brevis threatened to change the momentum with aggressive stroke play, and skipper Aiden Markram anchored the innings smartly.
Despite the valiant fight, the batting side ended at 332/7, finishing 17 runs short of the target. India’s bowling pack — Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja — were instrumental in breaking key partnerships when it mattered most.
Proteas displayed grit until the final overs but India’s tight death bowling ensured a well-earned victory.
Virat Kohli on Test Match Return – Major Update
Post-match, Virat Kohli also spoke about his return to the Test squad for India. The batting superstar had recently taken a short break from Test cricket, but has now confirmed that he is prepared to re-join the Test setup soon. His comments have sparked excitement among fans of longer-format cricket.
Kohli said his break helped him reset mentally and physically, and he is now “hungry and fully ready for the longest format again.”
This signals great news for India ahead of upcoming Test fixtures in 2026.
Playing XIs – 1st ODI Lineups
South Africa:
Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (wk/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
When & Where to Watch the IND vs SA 2nd ODI
The official broadcast and streaming partners for the 2025 ODI series include:
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network from 1:30 PM IST
- Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar, JioHotstar app & website
- Venue: JSCA Stadium, Ranchi
Key Match Highlights
- Virat Kohli: 135 (Player of the Match contender)
- Rohit Sharma: 57
- KL Rahul: 60
- India total: 349/8 in 50 overs
- South Africa chase: 332/7 (17 runs short)
- Aiden Markram won toss, chose to field
- India leads series 1-0
Impact of This Win for Team India
Strong opening to the series boosts India’s momentum
Kohli’s form ahead of Test return gives huge confidence
Middle-order depth proves reliable
Bowling attack successful in defending 349 in pressure chase