### Kohli and Rohit Shine as India Takes Lead in ODI Series Against South Africa In a thrilling first ODI match held in Ranchi, India secured a 17-run victory over South Africa, largely thanks to Virat Kohli's record-extending 52nd ODI century and Rohit Sharma's explosive 57 runs. Kohli's performance not only helped India post a formidable total of 349 runs but also marked a significant milestone in his career, as he surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most centuries in a single format of international cricket. This match sets the tone for the three-match ODI series, with India now leading 1-0. ### Breakdown of the Match Highlights and Key Performances 1. **Kohli's Historic Century** - Virat Kohli scored 135 runs off 120 balls, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes, marking his 52nd ODI century and 83rd overall in international cricket [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/india-bank-on-kohli-rohit-magic-to-seal-odi-series-south-africa/20251202.htm]. - This achievement makes him the first player in history to score 500 ODI runs at six different stadiums, surpassing a 33-year-old record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/virat-kohli-breaks-33-year-old-world-record-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-becomes-first-player-in-history-to-score-500-odi-runs-at-6-stadiums-article-153231333]. 2. **Rohit Sharma's Record-Breaking Performance** - Rohit Sharma contributed significantly with a quickfire 57 runs, which included three sixes, allowing him to break Shahid Afridi's record for the most sixes in ODI history, now totaling 352 [https://telanganatoday.com/rohit-sharma-breaks-afridis-record-for-most-odi-sixes]. 3. **Bowling Highlights** - Kuldeep Yadav was instrumental with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 68 runs, helping to restrict South Africa to 332 runs in their chase [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3715060-virat-kohlis-showstopper-century-powers-india-to-victory-over-south-africa]. 4. **Match Context and Future Implications** - The match was a part of a three-match ODI series, and India's victory gives them a crucial lead. The next match is scheduled for Wednesday in Raipur, where both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths [https://24newshd.tv/01-Dec-2025/kohli-stars-india-beat-south-africa-first-odi]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Kohli's Performance Metrics:** - Runs Scored: 135 - Balls Faced: 120 - Fours: 11 - Sixes: 7 - Centuries in ODIs: 52 [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/virat-kohli-rules-out-test-return-vows-to-stick-to-odis-india-south-africa/20251201.htm]. - **Rohit Sharma's Record:** - Runs Scored: 57 - Sixes Hit: 3 - Total ODI Sixes: 352 [https://telanganatoday.com/rohit-sharma-breaks-afridis-record-for-most-odi-sixes]. - **Kuldeep Yadav's Bowling Figures:** - Wickets Taken: 4 - Runs Conceded: 68 [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3715060-virat-kohlis-showstopper-century-powers-india-to-victory-over-south-africa]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Start for India in the ODI Series **India's victory in the first ODI against South Africa is a testament to the team's depth and talent, particularly highlighted by Kohli and Rohit's performances.** 1. Kohli's record-breaking century reinforces his status as one of the greatest ODI players of all time. 2. Rohit's achievement in sixes adds another layer to his already impressive career. 3. Kuldeep's bowling performance was crucial in maintaining pressure on the South African batting lineup. As the series progresses, India will look to build on this momentum, while South Africa will aim to bounce back in the upcoming matches [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/cricket/news/rohit-kohli-set-world-records-in-ranchi-hitman-becomes-player-with-most-odi-sixes-virat-scores-52nd-century-top-records-136554722.html].