Virat Kohli scores his 83rd international century in the 1st ODI against South Africa, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record and setting a new milestone in cricket history. (Image Credit: @mufaddal_vohra)
India vs South Africa 1st ODI: A century of monumental significance, both for India and for cricket history, was produced by Virat Kohli in this high-pressure series opener at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
The brilliance of Kohli in the 1st ODI against South Africa not only steadied India after early hiccups but also rewrote multiple records, including overtaking Sachin Tendulkar for the most centuries in a single format.
Coming in to bat after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early, Kohli took charge of the innings along with Rohit Sharma as the duo stitched an important 136-run partnership that lifted India from 25/1 to 161/2.
Kohli's century came off 102 balls, featuring 7 fours and 5 sixes, paced with perfect ODI mastery.
Kohli came into the match with 1,504 ODI runs against South Africa and required 32 runs to surpass Jacques Kallis' 1,535.
It is against one of the strongest bowling attacks of world cricket that Kohli goes on to dominate like few have.
Today's hundred pushes Kohli to 25 fifty-plus scores, equalling Tendulkar's all-format record against South Africa.
Kohli started the day tied with Sachin Tendulkar and David Warner at five ODI hundreds each against the Proteas.
Virat Kohli's hundred in the first ODI in Ranchi now places him at the top of the list with 6 ODI hundreds against South Africa.
The pace attack of South Africa struck early in the innings, getting Yashasvi Jaiswal out for 18 off 16 balls at 25/1, courtesy of Nandre Burger. Rohit Sharma followed soon after, scoring 57 off 51 deliveries, as India reached 161/2.
Through early falls, Virat Kohli stitched the innings together with characteristic control and calm. He first set about repairing the innings in the company of Rohit Sharma, then forged an important 22-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad and followed up with 33 runs alongside Washington Sundar. Kohli is continuing to bat in the middle with KL Rahul as India move to 233/4 in 37.5 overs with their innings still going on.
Ottneil Baartman, who claimed two wickets, and Marco Jansen, with one, have been South Africa's most effective bowlers so far, though Kohli has skillfully negotiated their attack.
Disclaimer: This match is still in play. All numbers and events are correct at the time of writing and may evolve with continued play.
