Raipur, Dec 2 (NationPress) Both India and South Africa have taken several positives from their opening encounter in Ranchi. The excitement continues as the two teams prepare to clash in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday.

Rohit Sharma concluded the series against Australia with an impressive century, while Virat Kohli rebounded from two ducks to score a solid fifty. In the first ODI against South Africa, the duo shone once again, delivering an exhilarating partnership that thrilled the fans.

The home side edged out South Africa by 17 runs in a nail-biting opener in Ranchi, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. India set a formidable target of 349/8, driven by Kohli's remarkable 135—his 52nd ODI century—and commendable fifties from Rohit Sharma (57) and KL Rahul (60).

After an early setback, Rohit and Kohli forged a strong 136-run partnership, while contributions from Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja helped India reach a challenging total despite a late collapse sparked by Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch.

South Africa's chase stumbled early as Harshit Rana struck twice in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Rickelton and de Kock. Arshdeep Singh piled on the pressure by taking out skipper Markram, leaving the visitors in a precarious position.

Despite efforts from Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, and Dewald Brevis, who built crucial partnerships, Kuldeep Yadav consistently halted South Africa's progress, claiming four vital wickets.

Jansen's explosive innings reignited the Proteas' hopes, and Bosch’s determined fifty kept the match thrilling until the last over, needing 19 runs. However, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Bosch to clinch a hard-fought victory for India. Strong partnerships, timely strikes, and disciplined death bowling enabled India to narrowly defeat the Proteas.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli consistently capture attention every time India plays an ODI. As two of the most significant figures in contemporary cricket, their performances always take center stage.

For many fans, these matches feel particularly special since Raipur seldom hosts international clashes, and it’s uncertain when they might witness the duo in action again. With both legends looking to extend their international careers for a few more years, supporters are relishing every chance to see them, especially after their recent streak of impressive scores.

However, India will expect more from younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who didn’t quite make a mark upon their return to ODIs. Jaiswal opened the match alongside Rohit while Gaikwad secured a spot in India’s XI, ahead of Rishabh Pant, for the first time in nearly two years.

Although India secured a win, they pondered several questions regarding their batting in the death overs and their bowling in the middle overs. With the first ODI behind them, South Africa’s next task is clear—stop the Rohit-Kohli partnership if they want to claim the series.

When: Wednesday, December 3, 1:30 PM IST

Where: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur

Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV coverage and JioHotstar for live streaming

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (c) (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen