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India vs South Africa 1st ODI Highlights: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma shine as India take 1-0 lead in three-match series

THE TIMES OF INDIA | Dec 03, 2025, 08:53:17 IST

India vs South Africa 1st ODI Highlights: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma shine as India take 1-0 lead in three-match series

India vs South Africa 1st ODI Highlights: India beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI at Ranchi, take 1-0 lead in 3-match series.

Earlier, Virat Kohli did what he has built his entire ODI career on. He stayed at the crease, handled the pressure around him and ended the innings with a clear smile. India lost Rohit Sharma after a half-century, but Kohli held his end and reached his 52nd ODI hundred in the opening match of the South Africa series in Ranchi, the hometown of former captain MS Dhoni, on Sunday.

Virat Kohli displayed his mastery in the 50-over format with his 52nd ODI century, guiding India to 349 for eight against South Africa in the first match of the three-ODI series on Sunday.

Kohli scored 135 off 120 balls (11 fours, 7 sixes) and shared a 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma (57 off 51 balls), forming the backbone of India’s 300-plus total.

Kohli reached his century with a boundary off South African left-arm pacer Marco Jansen, sparking celebrations in the stadium, including a spectator running onto the field to mark the milestone.

With this innings, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the batter with the most hundreds in a single format, overtaking Tendulkar’s 51 Test hundreds.

Rohit Sharma also made a mark, hitting his 352nd six in ODI cricket to break former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s record of 351.

KL Rahul contributed a late push with 60 off 56 balls.

Brief scores: India 349/8 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 135, Rohit Sharma 57, KL Rahul 60; Ottneil Baartman 2/60, Nandre Burger 2/65). South Africa 332 in 49.2 overs (Matthew Breetzke 72, Marco Jansen 70; Kuldeep Yadav 4/68, Harshit Rana 3/65)

16:06 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: Virat Kohli closes in on 52nd ODI century

At 93 off 90 balls, Virat Kohli is nearing his 52nd ODI century as India look to steady the ship.

IND 217/4 after 34 overs.

15:55 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: KL Rahul is the new batter at the crease

India’s innings has drifted off course a bit. Now it’s on Rahul, the stand-in captain, to glue this back together. At the other end, Kohli is walking toward his 52nd ODI hundred like it’s a familiar bus stop he’s been to many times before.

IND 204/4 in 31.4 overs.

15:49 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: WICKET! Washington Sundar departs

Washington Sundar caught at mid-off by Corbin Bosh. Sundar tried to go up and over Bosch, but he did not get enough elevation.

India are in serious trouble now.

IND 200/4 in 30.3 overs.

15:44 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: Washington Sundar walks in

Washington Sundar is the new batter at the crease. India will look to build a partnership here after two quick wickets.

15:42 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: OUT! Ruturaj Gaikwad departs

Brevis pulls off a one-handed catch at backward point. He was positioned a little behind the crease, moved to his right, jumped and grabbed it with his right hand. The ball from Ottneil Baartman was full outside off, and Gaikwad tried to drive through cover. It took a thick edge and travelled around knee height, maybe slightly lower.

IND 183/3 in 26.3 overs

15:19 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: India's momentum takes a hit after Rohit Sharma's wicekt

After Rohit Sharma fell LBW, India has not scored a boundary in the last 23 balls!

To be exact, Virat Kohli's six against Prenelan Subrayen in the 1st ball of the 21st over was the last time India hit a four or six.

IND 172/2 in 24 overs

Ruturaj Gaikwad taking his time to settle in and stands at 5* from 6 balls

Virat Kohli 78* (71)

15:16 (IST) Nov 30

India vs South Africa Live Score: Ruturaj Gaikwad is coming in at No. 4 for the first time in his career in International cricket

15:11 (IST) Nov 30

Cricket Live Score: OUT! Partnership broken as Rohit Sharma falls

Jansen struck a back-of-a-length delivery that didn’t bounce much, beating Rohit on the pull.

The ball hit him on the back-thigh in front of off, and the umpire raised the finger.

Rohit, after a discussion with Kohli, did not review and walked back after a well-made 57 off 51 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes.

The strong opening partnership is finally broken and it's a big big breakthrough for the Proteas.

IND 161/2 in 21.2 overs

15:08 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: SIX! Virat Kohli gets his 5th six of the match

Subrayen pitched it up, and Kohli came down the track, using his momentum and wristwork to effortlessly clear long-on for a towering maximum in the very first ball of the over.

He's looking in sublime touch, keeping the scoreboard ticking freely.

IND 159/1 in 20.1 overs vs SA

15:06 (IST) Nov 30

India vs South Africa Live Score: RECORD SIXES! Rohit Sharma top of the world in ODIs

Rohit’s towering six off Marco Jansen was his 352nd in ODIs, making him the highest six-hitter in the format, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s 351.

Chris Gayle (331), Sanath Jayasuriya (270), and MS Dhoni (229) follow in the list, but Rohit now stands alone at the top.

15:05 (IST) Nov 30

Cricket Live Score: SIX! Rohit Sharma punishes Jansen for his third six of the day

Jansen pitched it back of a length and angling in, and Rohit rose on the bounce, swivelling powerfully to pull it over long leg.

India finish the 20th over with 7 runs from it, moving to 153/1, Rohit on 56 off 47 and Kohli on 65 off 57.

15:02 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: HALF CENTURY up for Rohit Sharma too!

Subrayen floated one up on off, and Rohit worked it nicely into the gap wide of mid-wicket to complete his 60th ODI fifty. Kohli also kept the momentum, nudging a slower delivery wide of cover for a single earlier in the over.

India end the 19th over at 146/1, with Rohit on 50 off 43 and Kohli on 64 off 55, the opening pair dominating the innings so far.

14:55 (IST) Nov 30

India vs South Africa Live Score: SIX AGAIN! Kohli firing on all cylinders

Bosch went short and wide outside off, and Kohli used the pace perfectly, riding the bounce and steering it over deep point for another towering hit.

He's looking in devastating touch in Ranchi.

India finish the over with 14 runs from it, moving to 140/1 after 18 overs.

14:53 (IST) Nov 30

Cricket Live Score: SIX! Virat Kohli brings up his FIFTY in stytle!

Bosch pitched it on a good length angling into Kohli, and the batter leaned into a wristy flick, sending it soaring over wide mid-wicket for a splendid six.

That shot also brings up Kohli’s 76th ODI fifty, a classy milestone in style.

India move to 132/1 after 17.2 overs.

Virat Kohli 53* from 48 balls and showing no signs of stopping.

14:49 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: 100-run partnership up for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

The veteran duo reach the milestone in 82 balls.

They also reached a 100-run stand in the 3rd and final ODI against Australia earlier.

14:39 (IST) Nov 30

India vs South Africa Live Score: KL Rahul Confident as Jadeja Returns: “He Has Always Done Everything for the Team”

KL Rahul spoke warmly about Ravindra Jadeja’s return to the ODI setup. Jadeja missed the recent Australia series but was vital in India’s Champions Trophy triumph. Rahul praised Jadeja’s versatility and his ability to contribute in all departments.

India are likely to bank on Jadeja again, especially with their search for a stable lower-middle order combination continuing. His experience will be essential, particularly against a South African team that has returned to near full strength.

With dew unlikely and Ranchi offering a balanced surface, Jadeja’s control with the ball and finishing ability with the bat could be decisive.

14:39 (IST) Nov 30

Cricket Live Score: Why Rohit and Kohli Matter More Than Ever in India’s ODI Plans

At this stage of their careers, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play only ODI cricket for India, which means every outing carries huge importance. Their presence lifts the dressing room, and their consistency in 50-over cricket remains unmatched.

India’s recent Test struggles have created a gloomy atmosphere, but the return of Rohit and Kohli can help reset the tone. With both players still producing big runs, India will lean on their experience heavily over the next week.

This series is also a reminder of India’s strong home ODI record. Since the 2019 World Cup, they have won nine out of ten bilateral series at home. Returning to familiar territory should help ease the pressure on the squad.

14:38 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live: India and South Africa Gear Up for Crucial ODI Series

The first ODI will be played in Ranchi, a venue that does not usually produce high-scoring matches. The weather is expected to stay clear, offering straightforward playing conditions.

South Africa lead the head-to-head record overall, but India hold the advantage at home. With the Test defeats still fresh, the hosts will look to start strong. Rohit Sharma is also on the brink of a major milestone, needing just two sixes to equal Shahid Afridi for the most ODI sixes.

Quinton de Kock has a stunning record against India, making him a major threat again. India’s bowlers will have to be sharp from ball one.

14:38 (IST) Nov 30

IND vs SA Live Score: India’s ODI Bench Strength Set for a Real Test

India’s batting order has looked settled in ODIs, but injuries to Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer have forced the team to rethink their plans. Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to get his long-awaited chance at the top. KL Rahul confirmed he will bat at No. 6, leaving a decision to be made at No. 5.

Nitish Reddy could be the answer. As India continue to look for a seam-bowling allrounder in white-ball cricket, this series offers the perfect platform to test him properly.

South Africa, despite losing their last ODI series in Pakistan, will feel stronger now with Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock back. The next three matches will also help them prepare for the T20 World Cup in similar conditions.

14:37 (IST) Nov 30

India vs South Africa Live Score: Rohit and Kohli Return as India Look to Reset Their Home Form

India do not often face doubts over their Test form at home, but back-to-back clean sweeps against New Zealand and South Africa have brought heavy scrutiny. For the players and coaching staff, the switch to ODI cricket could not come at a better time. India are far more settled in this format, having lifted the Champions Trophy earlier this year.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who now play only ODIs for India, will once again carry the spotlight. Both veterans bring experience and calmness, something this Indian side needs after a difficult Test phase. If they deliver with the bat, India will back themselves to return to winning ways quickly.

This series also gives India a chance to test their bench strength. With Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer absent, new faces will get opportunities. Nitish Reddy could receive an extended run with Hardik Pandya still unavailable. South Africa, meanwhile, will try to continue India’s misery with several first-choice names returning.

India vs South Africa Live Score: The first ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex began with the visitors winning the toss and choosing to bowl. Both sides entered the match with contrasting situations. South Africa arrived with confidence after their Test series success and hoped to continue their momentum in the white-ball format. India, meanwhile, viewed the match as a chance to answer critics who have questioned their recent performances in limited-overs cricket.

Injuries forced India to rethink their plans. Shubman Gill’s neck injury and Shreyas Iyer’s absence meant that KL Rahul not only captained the side but also carried added responsibility in the middle order. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now only playing ODIs in international cricket, the spotlight naturally shifted towards their experience and ability to handle pressure.

Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century, Kuldeep Yadav’s four wickets and Harshit Rana’s three-wicket burst secured India a 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI on Sunday.

India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second game will be played in Raipur on Wednesday.