Virat Kohli once again has shut all critics with his game against South Africa in the 1st ODI. The stylish batsman completed his first ever ODI hundred in South Africa on 1st February. He batted fluently as India chased down the target with ease. The Indian skipper smashed his 33rd ODI century as the Men in Blue picked up a comfortable win in the first clash in Durban.

After a Test series loss, India are playing in a 6-match ODI series against the rainbow nation. On Thursday’s match, India chased the highest total against the Proteas in South Africa. Before that, 221 was the highest successful chase under the same criteria.

After winning the toss, the South African captain elected to bat first. They registered a total of 269 runs for 8 wickets. India chased the target with 6 wickets and 27 balls remaining.

India got Ajinkya Rahane back into the team at No.4. On the other hand, Aiden Markram was brought in to replace De Villiers.

Kuldeep Yadav bowled brilliantly to scalp three wickets of South African middle-order as he dismissed JP Duminy, David Miller, and Chris Morris. The left-arm chinaman allowed only 34 runs in the 10 overs that he had bowled. Yuzvendra Chahal bagged two wickets while Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar took one wicket apiece.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis batted wonderfully and clubbed 120 runs off 112 deliveries while a mini middle-order collapse nearly unsettled things for the African nation. Opener Quinton de Kock tried to provide some support to the skipper which was later continued by Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo as well.

De Kock made 34 runs before Chahal trapped him lbw. Morris scored 37 runs and got out bowled by Yadav. Phehlukwayo remained unbeaten on 27 runs after his 56-run stand with Faf du Plessis was broken in the last over.

Despite losing 5 wickets at 134 runs, Morris and du Plessis’ partnership of 74 runs lifted the score past 200 runs. South Africa were on 264 runs when their skipper got dismissed by Bhuvneshwar and had enough reasons to be mighty pleased with their total of 269 in 50 overs.

However, at the end of the day, Virat Kohli, along with Ajinkya Rahane, gave India their cherished lead after a skillful show from the spin duo Chahal and Kuldeep.

While chasing the total, Rohit Sharma made 20 runs before getting dismissed by Morne Morkel. Shikhar Dhawan fell victim to a run out scoring 35 runs. After this two exits, it was all about Kohli and Rahane adding to South African bowlers’ miseries.

With his innings of 79 runs Ajinkya Rahane finally seemed to have sealed the no. 4 position that was up for grabs. His wicket was picked up by Phehlukwayo who, in his next over, dismissed Virat Kohli on 112 runs as well. But it was already too late as these two did not lose their wickets until India came too close to the target. After they returned to the pavilion, Pandya remained unbeaten scoring 3 runs while Dhoni opened his account by hitting the last boundary to ensure their victory.

Virat Kohli got the Man of the Match award and deservedly so. According to him, they took the confidence from their win in Johannesburg. He did not forget to give credits to Rahane as well.