Kohli’s superb 135,  his 52nd ODI hundred, formed the backbone of India’s innings. He began with caution before exploding into his signature end-overs acceleration. Rohit, in his first ODI since March, belted a brisk 57 off 51, breaking Shahid Afridi’s record for most ODI sixes.

Kohli’s superb 135, his 52nd ODI hundred, formed the backbone of India’s innings. He began with caution before exploding into his signature end-overs acceleration. Rohit, in his first ODI since March, belted a brisk 57 off 51, breaking Shahid Afridi’s record for most ODI sixes. KL Rahul, leading in Shubman Gill’s absence, added a composed 60 to push India towards a towering score.

Early Collapse Rattles SA Before Middle Order Swings Back

Chasing 350, South Africa were blown away early. Harshit Rana, on his very first legal delivery in ODI cricket, bowled Rickelton, then dismissed Quinton de Kock two balls later. Arshdeep Singh added Aiden Markram to a fiery powerplay spell that reduced SA to 11/3.

Despite the collapse, the visitors refused to fold. Matthew Breetzke (72) and Tony de Zorzi (39) rebuilt with a 66-run stand, followed by a counter-attacking 53-run partnership between Breetzke and Dewald Brevis (37).

Jansen, Bosch Threaten To Steal It

The real alarm for India came when Marco Jansen unleashed a whirlwind 70, taking on both pace and spin. Even as wickets fell around him, Jansen powered SA back into the contest. Just as the chase swelled dangerously, Kuldeep Yadav turned the match with two wickets in three balls, dismissing both Jansen and Breetzke in the 34th over.

Still, South Africa stretched the match deep, with Corbin Bosch’s valiant 67 off 51 taking the chase into the final over.

Kuldeep And Prasidh Close Out Tense Finish

Needing 19 off 6, South Africa’s hopes hinged on Bosch. But Prasidh Krishna held his nerve, inducing a mis-hit that Rohit Sharma claimed calmly, closing the match at 332 all out with four balls left.
Brief Scores: India 349/8 (Virat Kohli 135, KL Rahul 60; Baartman 2-60, Burger 2-65) South Africa 332 in 49.2 overs (Breetzke 72, Jansen 70, Bosch 67; Kuldeep 4-68, Rana 3-65, Arshdeep 2-64) India won by 17 runs.