Kohli's 103 anchors India to victory in Ranchi ODI
Kohli's 103 anchors India to victory in Ranchi ODI
Virat Kohli belts 103 as India chase 233/4 to beat South Africa in the opener at Ranchi, forging a crucial 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma.
In Ranchi, Virat Kohli anchored India's chase with a masterful 103 off 102 balls, guiding the team to 233/4 in 38 overs. It was Kohli's 52nd ODI hundred and marked the 7000th international century by a man in cricket's modern era. The celebration after a crisp boundary in the 38th over reflected the confidence he carried as he built the innings brick by brick, starting quietly, then accelerating when needed.
He co-authored a decisive 136-run stand with Rohit Sharma, who looked in good touch with 57 off 51 and three sixes before an LBW decision did not go India's way. That partnership laid the foundation for India and put pressure on South Africa from the outset, allowing India to control the tempo of the game.
The rest of the lineup contributed as well, with Rohit providing a solid start and Kohli taking charge at the crucial moments. India had a minor wobble when Ruturaj Gaikwad fell cheaply and Washington Sundar followed, but Kohli's composure kept the innings on track and suggested a potential 300-plus total was within reach.
This performance underlines Kohli's continued class and his ability to shepherd a chase on home soil, in front of a roaring crowd that filled the stadium in the former skipper MS Dhoni's hometown. It also gives India a strong start to the series against a capable South African attack, signaling a resurgence after a challenging period for the home side.
As milestones loomed for Kohli and Rohit—Kohli extending his ODI century tally and Rohit eyeing near-milestones—the mood around the camp shifted from the recent pains of Test cricket to renewed confidence and momentum heading into the next fixtures.
Cover image source: India vs SA first ODI: Chance for Men in Blue to bounce back and alleviate pain 🔗
