India finished strong at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, posting 349/8 in 50 overs despite slowing down after the first 20 overs. With dew expected to have a major impact later in the evening, India always needed a total above par — and Virat Kohli’s masterclass ensured exactly that.
Kohli batted on a completely different surface compared to everyone else, scoring a brilliant 135 off 120 balls, an innings that featured seven sixes — only the third time he has hit more than five sixes in an ODI and the first time ever against South Africa. The pitch gradually slowed down, bringing variations into play, but Kohli continued to dominate the bowlers with remarkable ease.
India were also powered by a fluent knock from Rohit Sharma (57 off 51). The pair added 136 runs for the second wicket, laying the perfect foundation. South Africa did fight back in the middle overs, but quick contributions from KL Rahul (60 off 56) and Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 20) pushed India close to the 350-run mark.
South Africa’s fielding remained sharp through the innings, although Tony de Zorzi’s drop off Rohit on 1 could still prove extremely costly.
India have the runs on board. With dew likely to settle in, the big question now is:
Can South Africa chase this down?
Stay tuned for the second innings…
