India secured a hard-fought 17-run victory over South Africa in Ranchi during the first ODI. Batting first, India posted a commanding 349 runs, setting a challenging target for the visitors. Despite the South African side’s resilient chase, they fell short in the final overs.
India’s batting lineup delivered a balanced performance. Several key players contributed half-centuries, maintaining momentum throughout the innings. South Africa responded strongly, with their top order showing aggression to keep up with the required run rate, but consistent Indian bowling pressure proved decisive.
“It was important to stay disciplined under the dew. The team stuck to the plan and showed character across departments,” said India’s captain after the match.
The well-rounded display underscored India’s adaptability in challenging conditions, positioning them strongly for the remainder of the series.
Author’s Summary: India earned a 17-run win over South Africa in Ranchi, blending resilient batting with effective bowling in tricky dewy conditions.