India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the opening ODI of their three-match series in Ranchi, a victory highlighted by Rohit Sharma surpassing Shahid AfridiS long-standing record for most sixes in men’s One Day International cricket.
Sharma now holds the ODI record with 352 sixes, adding to his existing status as the overall international cricket sixes leader with 642. This milestone comes as India aims to solidify its position as a dominant force in the 50-over format, with the series against South Africa serving as crucial preparation for upcoming international tournaments. The result also marks a strong start for india under the captaincy of KL rahul, with virat Kohli delivering a match-defining performance.
India posted a competitive 349-8 after being asked to bat, anchored by virat Kohli’s record-extending 52nd ODI century – a masterful 135 off 120 balls. Sharma contributed 57 off 51 balls, sharing a 136-run partnership with Kohli for the second wicket.
Sharma achieved the record during his innings, hitting three sixes to move past Afridi’s previous benchmark of 351 ODI maximums. The indian innings continued to build momentum, with a 76-run stand between Kohli and stand-in captain KL Rahul, who finished with 60 off 56 balls.
South Africa’s reply faltered early, slipping to 11-3 before a recovery attempt led by Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80) and Marco Jansen (70 off 39) through a 97-run partnership.
Kuldeep Yadav proved pivotal, dismissing both Breetzke and Jansen in the 34th over, leaving South Africa struggling at 228-7.
Corbin bosch (67 off 51) then attempted to revive the chase, forging partnerships with Prenelan Subrayen and Nandre Burger (both 17), bringing the equation down to 37 needed from 18 balls.
Bosch, prioritizing the strike, was dismissed on the second ball of the final over, skying a catch to cover off Prasidh Krishna, effectively ending South Africa’s resistance.
The second match of the series is scheduled for Wednesday at 08:00 GMT.
