What a night it was in Ranchi as India edged out South Africa by 17 runs in a thrilling first ODI at the JSCA Stadium on November 30, 2025. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but not without a heart-stopping finish that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. This was a contest that truly had it all: explosive batting, clever bowling, and a spirited fightback that nearly turned the tables in favor of the visitors.
India’s innings was anchored by a masterful display from Virat Kohli, whose 135 off 120 balls was nothing short of a white-ball masterclass. Kohli’s knock was his 52nd ODI century—now the most hundreds ever by a player in a single international format—and his first international ton since February 2025. The Ranchi crowd, always a little louder for Kohli, was treated to his third century at the venue, further cementing the love affair between the city and the Indian superstar. As Kohli raised his helmet and arms, the stadium erupted in a roar that echoed through the evening.
India’s top order set the tone early, with Rohit Sharma joining Kohli in a blistering partnership. Rohit’s 57 was his 60th ODI half-century, and together with Kohli, they tore into the South African attack with a barrage of boundaries and soaring sixes. India’s intent was clear: attack from the outset and keep the scoreboard ticking. When Rohit departed, the score was already at 163/2, and the momentum was well and truly with the home side.
KL Rahul, coming in after the fall of Washington Sundar, added his own flourish to the innings with a quickfire 50—his 19th in ODIs. Rahul’s aggressive approach in the death overs, including two sixes off Burger in the 48th over, helped India finish with a flourish. The final total: 349 runs, punctuated by an incredible 16 sixes. Only six times in ODI history have India cleared the ropes more in a single innings. KL Rahul even closed the innings with a cheeky reverse ramp six, capping off a batting display that had the crowd buzzing.
The pitch at Ranchi offered something for everyone. Early on, the bounce helped the fast bowlers, but as the match progressed, spinners began to find grip and turn. Under the lights, the surface provided enough assistance that both bat and ball had their moments. Dew was expected to settle in later, making the chase potentially easier for South Africa—a factor that almost tipped the balance.
South Africa’s chase, however, got off to a nightmare start. Young quick Harshit Rana struck on the very first ball, sending Ryan Rickelton back to the pavilion. Two balls later, Quinton de Kock—South Africa’s biggest power threat—was walking back stunned. Arshdeep Singh then dismissed captain Aiden Markram, leaving the Proteas reeling at 11/3 in just the fifth over. At that point, it looked like India would cruise to victory.
But cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. South Africa’s middle and lower order refused to go quietly. Matthew Breetzke steadied the ship with a composed fifty—his sixth in just ten ODI innings—while Marco Jansen played a whirlwind knock, reaching his half-century in just 26 balls. Jansen’s three sixes and five fours were all about timing and brute force, and suddenly, the chase was back on. South Africa, once down and out, needed just 144 off the final 20 overs and looked poised to pull off the impossible.
India’s bowlers, feeling the heat, turned to spin. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the lot, grabbing four crucial wickets and breaking partnerships just when they threatened to take the game away. His wrong’un to remove Subrayen was a turning point, halting South Africa’s momentum and keeping India in the hunt. Arshdeep Singh also bowled a tight spell in the death overs, keeping the big shots in check and piling the pressure back on the visitors.
As the required rate climbed, Corbin Bosch emerged as South Africa’s last hope. Bosch, showing nerves of steel, smashed a brilliant half-century and kept the Proteas in the hunt even with just one wicket remaining. He hit boundaries and sixes at will, refusing to give in to the mounting pressure. With 18 runs needed off the final over, the match was still alive. Every run, every ball, every cheer from the crowd felt like it could swing the game one way or the other.
But India’s bowlers held their nerve. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh bowled with precision, mixing up their pace and lengths to keep Bosch and his partners guessing. In the end, South Africa fell just 17 runs short, bowled out in the final over, but not before pushing India to the brink. The match was a testament to the fighting spirit of both sides—a reminder that in cricket, it’s never over until it’s over.
"This match had everything — explosive batting, clever bowling changes, top-tier fielding and a roar-heavy crowd riding every moment," noted one commentator, capturing the essence of the contest. The Proteas, despite missing key fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, showed they have the depth and resilience to challenge India, even in unfamiliar conditions.
For India, the victory was as much about collective effort as individual brilliance. Kohli’s innings was the heartbeat, but every player contributed—whether with bat, ball, or in the field. The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the series, but if this match is anything to go by, the next two ODIs promise even more fireworks.
South Africa, buoyed by their recent Test series win and the fight they showed in Ranchi, will not back down. Their ODI form may have been inconsistent in recent years, but the energy from their Test success and the near-miracle chase in this match suggest they’re ready to adapt and push India all the way. The stage is set for a gripping series, with both teams hungry for supremacy.
As the teams prepare for the second ODI, all eyes will be on whether India can maintain their momentum and seal the series, or if South Africa can bounce back and level the contest. One thing’s for sure—after a night like this, cricket fans everywhere will be counting down the days until the next ball is bowled.
