Dewald Brevis lit up the opening ODI with a moment of pure genius, pulling off a breathtaking one-handed dive at backward point to dismiss Ruturaj Gaikwad for 8 off 14 balls. Flying all the way to his right, Brevis produced the breakthrough South Africa sorely needed, ending a cautious third wicket stand of 22 runs in 5.1 overs.
The dismissal offered some relief to the visitors, with Virat Kohli continuing to hold firm at the other end, unbeaten on 85 off 78 deliveries. Washington Sundar came in at No. 5 for the first time in his career, with India 184 for 3 in 26.2 overs. Washington Sundar, who struggled to spin the strike during his time at the crease, managed just 13 off 19 balls before finding the midfield in an attempt to accelerate, leaving India 200 for 4 in 30.3 overs with Kohli at 88 off 83.
IND vs SA 1st ODI updates
Earlier, Rohit Sharma had an eventful innings, surviving a life for 1 when Tony de Zorzi failed to hold on to a catch coming from deep third man. Once Rohit settled in, aided by Kohli’s mastery, he began to find his timing, unfurling a series of crisp shots. A backswing from Marco Jansen and consecutive boundaries against Corbin Bosch indicated he had found his rhythm.
Rohit broke a major world recordsurpassing Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi to become the player with most sixes in the history of one-day international cricket. Entering the match with 349 sixes, he leveled Afridi by launching two hits against Prenelan Subrayen in the 15th over, before pulling Marco Jansen to deep square leg to claim the record with his 352nd maximum, achieved in far fewer innings than the former Pakistan captain. Rohit eventually walked for 57 off 50 balls, opting not to revisit a decision at heavyweight despite Kohli urging him to take DRS, thus ending a smooth innings prematurely.
Kohli, meanwhile, was in glorious touch. He reached his half-century in style by bowling Bosch for a six, drawing applause from head coach Gautam Gambhir in the dugout. Alongside Rohit, he treated the Ranchi crowd to a vintage spectacle, the duo racing to a hundred-run partnership as India looked firmly in control.
Kohli’s stroke play remained effortless even as India slowed to between 150 and 200 runs, the calmest phase of their innings. Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal had given India a good start before being bowled out by the lively Nandre Burger, leading Kohli to join Rohit after South Africa opted to bowl first.
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