Virat Kohli smashed 135 runs, including his 52nd ODI century, to lead India to 349-8 against South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi
RANCHI: Virat Kohli smashed a commanding 135 to power India to 349-8 against South Africa in the first of three one-day internationals.
Kohli’s 120-ball innings, featuring 11 fours and seven sixes, anchored the Indian innings after they were put into bat.
The 37-year-old shared a crucial 136-run second-wicket partnership with fellow veteran Rohit Sharma, who contributed 57 from 51 deliveries.
Kohli brought up his 52nd ODI century with a boundary off Marco Jansen, celebrating the milestone in front of a capacity Ranchi crowd.
His century count now stands three ahead of Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 in the all-time ODI hundreds list.
An enthusiastic fan briefly interrupted play by running onto the field to touch Kohli’s feet before security intervened.
Both Kohli and the 38-year-old Rohit returned to the ODI side after retiring from T20 and Test cricket earlier this year.
Their experience proved vital for an Indian team led by KL Rahul in the absence of injured regular captain Shubman Gill.
India suffered an early setback when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 18, bringing Kohli to the crease amid roaring applause from 38,000 spectators.
The partnership steadied the innings before Rohit was trapped lbw by Jansen after hitting five fours and three sixes.
South Africa applied pressure during the middle overs, slowing the scoring rate temporarily.
Kohli accelerated after reaching triple figures, his first hundred since February, hammering off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen for 21 runs in the 39th over.
He eventually fell to Nandre Burger, caught by Ryan Rickelton in the deep.
Rahul maintained the aggressive approach with a brisk 60 from 56 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja added a quickfire 32 from 20 deliveries.
South Africa is captained by Aiden Markram in the series opener, with regular skipper Temba Bavuma being rested. – AFP
