Virat Kohli smashed his 52nd ODI century as India beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first match, taking 1-0 lead in the three-game series
VIRAT Kohli smashed his record-extending 52nd one-day international century to set up India’s 17-run victory over South Africa in the series opener.
The star batsman’s 135 runs from 120 balls anchored India’s total of 349-8 at a packed stadium in the eastern city.
Kohli shared a crucial 136-run partnership with fellow veteran Rohit Sharma, who contributed 57 runs from 51 deliveries.
South Africa mounted a spirited chase, with Corbin Bosch scoring 67 off 51 balls before falling in the final over.
The visitors needed 18 runs from the last six balls with one wicket remaining but were bowled out for 332.
Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70) had earlier revived South Africa’s innings with a 97-run sixth-wicket stand.
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav proved decisive for India, claiming 4-68 including the crucial wickets of both set batsmen.
Kohli’s 83rd international century across all formats came after he reached triple figures with a boundary off Jansen.
“If you’ve played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you’re hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long,” said the player of the match.
“As long as you’re hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it’s about physically fit, mentally ready and excited.”
The 37-year-old received a pitch invader who breached security to touch his feet during the match.
Stand-in captain KL Rahul contributed 60 from 56 balls to bolster India’s innings after Rohit Sharma’s departure.
Rohit’s innings included three sixes, taking him to 352 in ODIs and surpassing Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi’s record of 351.
South Africa’s acting captain Aiden Markram praised his team’s fighting spirit despite the defeat.
“Great to sit in the change room and watch the guys do their thing,” Markram said. “Never losing the belief that we can pull off a rabbit from the hat.”
India leads the three-match series 1-0 ahead of Wednesday’s second game in Raipur. – AFP
