Kohli’s Record 52nd ODI Century Seals India’s Win
The JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi witnessed history on November 30, 2025. On a day that will be etched in cricketing annals, Virat Kohli 52nd ODI century wasn’t just another run-a-minute innings; it was a record-shattering, match-winning masterclass that propelled India to a crucial 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI of the series.
Table of Contents
- A Record for the Ages
- The Innings That Powered India to 349
- Bowling Brilliance: Kuldeep and Harshit Lead the Charge
- Match Summary and Key Takeaways
- What’s Next for Both Teams?
- Sources
A Record for the Ages
Virat Kohli has officially etched his name in the history books in the most emphatic way possible. With his magnificent knock of 135, he registered his 52nd ODI century, moving past the legendary Sachin Tendulkar who held the record with 49 centuries. This wasn’t just a record; it was a coronation of his legacy as one of the game’s greatest ever.
What makes this achievement even more staggering is the pace at which he reached this milestone. Kohli accomplished this feat in just 287 innings, a full 63 innings quicker than Tendulkar, who took 350 innings to reach his 49 tons . This landmark innings, his first ODI century since his unbeaten 100 against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy , was a testament to his enduring class and hunger for runs.
The Innings That Powered India to 349
Kohli’s 135 was a symphony of controlled aggression. He stroked the ball with his trademark elegance, finding the boundary rope with 11 fours and clearing it with 7 massive sixes . He found solid support at the other end, first from captain Rohit Sharma and then from the ever-reliable KL Rahul.
This wasn’t a solo act. The foundation was laid early, and the middle order provided the crucial momentum. Their collective effort helped India post a formidable total of 349 for 8 in their 50 overs. This total, on a Ranchi pitch that offered a good balance for both bat and ball, was always going to be a tough ask for the Proteas.
Bowling Brilliance: Kuldeep and Harshit Lead the Charge
Chasing 350 is a monumental task, and South Africa needed a solid start. However, India’s bowling attack, led by a sensational debutant and a resurgent spinner, had other plans.
Harshit Rana’s Dream Debut
All eyes were on the young pacer, and he delivered under the brightest lights. Harshit Rana, in his ODI debut, produced a fierce opening spell that ripped through the top order. His energy, line, and length were impeccable, and his celebrations sent the Ranchi crowd into a frenzy . His crucial early wickets, including that of a dangerous-looking Dewald Brevis, put South Africa on the back foot from the outset .
Kuldeep Yadav’s Match-Winning Spell
While Rana provided the early breakthroughs, Kuldeep Yadav was the architect of the middle-overs collapse. The left-arm wrist-spinner was at his deceptive best, bamboozling the South African batters with his variations. He finished with a superb bowling figure of 4 wickets for 68 runs in his full 10 overs . His ability to take the pitch out of the equation and pick up crucial wickets of set batters was the decisive factor that shifted the match firmly in India’s favour .
Match Summary and Key Takeaways
The match was a classic see-saw battle that went down to the final over, but India’s superior total and disciplined bowling proved to be the difference.
Final Scorecard:
- India: 349/8 (50 overs)
- South Africa: 332 all out (49.2 overs)
- Result: India won by 17 runs.
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
The key takeaway is the perfect blend of individual brilliance and collective team effort. Kohli’s record-breaking bat, combined with Rana’s fiery start and Kuldeep’s clinical middle-over spell, showcased India’s depth and dominance. For fans of fantasy cricket, this match was a goldmine, with top performers in both batting and bowling categories. [INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy-cricket-tips] can help you capitalize on such player form in future contests.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With this victory, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The momentum is firmly with the home side, and they will look to wrap up the series in the next fixture. For South Africa, the challenge is immense. They have shown they can bat well, but their top order’s fragility against high-quality pace and spin needs immediate addressing. The series now moves to [INTERNAL_LINK:india-south-africa-odi-schedule] for the second ODI, where we can expect another intense battle.
Conclusion
The first ODI in Ranchi was more than just a win for India; it was a celebration of individual greatness and a statement of intent. Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century has not only given his team a series lead but has also cemented his place in cricketing history. With the bowling unit firing on all cylinders, India looks poised to dominate the rest of the series. For cricket enthusiasts, this match was a reminder of why we love the game—the drama, the records, and the sheer will to win.
Sources
Our analysis is based on official match data and reports from the following high-authority sources:
- Times of India: Kohli’s hundred, Kuldeep four-for power India’s 17-run win in first ODI
- ESPNcricinfo: India vs South Africa, 1st ODI Scorecard
- International Cricket Council (ICC): ICC Player Rankings and Records