IND vs SA: India defeat South Africa by 17 runs in high-scoring ODI thriller

Lucknow: In a gripping IND vs SA series opener, Men in blue defeated Proteas by 17 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI contest. The match saw high-quality batting, pressure bowling, and a tense finish as South Africa fell short while chasing a target of 350.

India Batting Line

Batting first in the IND vs SA clash, India posted 349-8. Team’s skipper Rohit Sharma set the tone with a stylish 57 off 51 balls, striking three sixes and rotating the strike well.

During the match, Virat Kohli, who delivered a masterclass with a brilliant 135 off 120 balls ( featured with brilliant 12 boundaries),  was shined as star of the innings for guiding India through crucial middle overs.

KL Rahul added firepower with a quick 80 off 58 balls, (studded with eight fours and three sixes), ensuring India reached a strong total. Handy contributions from Sundar (19) and Jadeja (32) pushed the India score close to 350.

South Africa Batting Line

In response, South Africa showed resilience throughout the chase in this IND vs SA contest however were eventually bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs. Despite moments of momentum, they struggled to form long partnerships against disciplined Indian bowling.

Young pacer Harshit Rana impressed with 3 key wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh maintained tight control in the final overs to secure India’s victory.

With this result, India go 1–0 up in the IND vs SA ODI series, setting up an exciting second match as the Proteas look to bounce back.