INDvsSA 1st ODI: Harshit Rana’s Doublestrike Turns the Tide Against South Africa in 1st ODI Chase
Harshit Rana claims two quick wickets as India puts South Africa under pressure chasing 350 in Ranchi.
In the first ODI at Ranchi, India pacer Harshit Rana gave his team a dream start by scalping two wickets in just one over, dismissing South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock both for ducks within three balls. Kneeled at 73/3 inside 14 overs while chasing a daunting target of 350, the South African batting lineup was rattled early. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh also contributed by sending back captain Aiden Markram, intensifying South Africa’s early woes.
India had earlier set a formidable target of 349/8, powered by Virat Kohli’s record-extending 52nd ODI century—135 runs off 102 balls with 11 fours and 7 sixes. Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record for most hundreds in a single format. Rohit Sharma scored a fiery 57, including three sixes that broke the ODI six-hitting record, complemented by KL Rahul’s crucial 60 as stand-in captain.
Facing early setbacks, South Africa’s middle order now relies on Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi to stabilize the innings under increasing pressure from disciplined Indian pace bowling. Harshit Rana’s incisive spell disrupted South Africa’s rhythm, effectively turning the game in India’s favor in the initial phase of the chase.
Also Read: INDvsSA 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma Becomes ODI Six-Hitting Leader as India Post 349 Against South Africa
The match at JSCA International Stadium Complex remains poised for intense competition, with India's bowlers leveraging momentum from their star batsmen while South Africa looks to stage a comeback. Fans await thrilling cricket as the series unfolds.
Also Read: INDvsSA 1st ODI: Markram Wins Toss, South Africa Bowls First vs India in Ranchi
