## India Defeats South Africa by 17 Runs in Ranchi ODI
Virat Kohli led from the front with a calm and calculated innings, ensuring India posted a competitive total against South Africa in the Ranchi ODI. His composed performance anchored the innings as the rest of the batting lineup contributed around him.
### Kohli’s Steady Knock
Kohli displayed remarkable patience and precision, accumulating runs through deft rotation of strike and timely boundaries. His innings came at a crucial moment, stabilizing India after early wickets and setting up a platform for the lower order to accelerate later.
> “It was about keeping my focus and playing according to the situation,” Kohli said after the match.
### India’s Bowling Brilliance
The bowlers capitalized on the momentum created by Kohli’s innings. Seamers found swing under the evening lights, while spinners effectively controlled the middle overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were particularly impressive, tightening the screws on South Africa’s chase with disciplined spells.
### South Africa’s Resistance
Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen offered resistance with a resilient partnership, briefly reviving South Africa’s hopes. However, quick wickets in the middle overs turned the tide in India’s favor, leaving the visitors short by 17 runs.
### Match Summary
- Venue: Ranchi
- Result: India won by 17 runs
- Key Contributor (Batting): Virat Kohli
- Key Contributor (Bowling): Jasprit Bumrah & Kuldeep Yadav
- South Africa Top Scorer: Aiden Markram
### Post-Match Reactions
Captain KL Rahul praised the team’s balanced performance, emphasizing the disciplined bowling and Kohli’s leadership at the crease. The victory strengthened India’s consistency ahead of the upcoming ODI series finale.
> “The team held its nerve beautifully in crunch moments,” Rahul noted, crediting the bowlers for closing the game efficiently.
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*Author’s summary: Kohli’s composed innings and India’s sharp bowling combined to secure a 17-run ODI victory over South Africa in Ranchi, reflecting the team’s discipline under pressure.*
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Republic World — 2025-11-30