Kohli's Record 135 Powers India to 349/8 in Ranchi ODI Opener

A vintage Virat Kohli hundred lit up Ranchi as India piled on an imposing 349 for 8 in the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday. After being sent in on a fresh surface, the hosts overcame an early setback through a commanding 136-run stand between Rohit Sharma and Kohli that firmly set the tone for the innings.

India batted first and immediately realised the pitch wasn’t the flat friend they usually enjoy. The ball was gripping, seams moving at unpredictable angles. Yashasvi Jaiswal tried to break free early, but Nandre Burger trapped him with a sharp, rising delivery. 

Virat Kohli understood the surface as a stunning batter. He didn’t rush, didn’t force shots, just absorbed pressure until he found his rhythm. His century provided the rhythm that India needed. Rohit and KL Rahul’s support helped India post a winning total. 

Rohit looked in sublime touch during his brisk 57 off 51 balls, peppering the boundary with authority before falling against the run of play. Kohli, meanwhile, was at his authoritative best. The former captain unfurled a record-breaking 52nd ODI century, an innings of supreme control and clean ball-striking. On his way to 135 off 120 deliveries, laced with 11 fours and 7 sixes, India looked confident. His partnership of 76 with stand-in captain KL Rahul (60 off 56) ensured India kept the scoreboard humming through the middle overs.

In the final stretch, Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with a lively unbeaten 32 from just 20 balls, helping India finish with a flourish.

South Africa’s pacers shared the spoils, with Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, and Ottneil Baartman picking up two wickets apiece, though none could stem the flow of runs for long.

Chasing a daunting 350, South Africa now face a tall order in their reply as India look to tighten their grip on the contest under lights.