Virat Kohli turned back the clock in some style during the first ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The right-handed batter notched up his 52nd ODI century and 83rd overall across the three formats. His majestic knock of 135 runs off 120 balls comprised 11 fours and seven sixes.
What has been a hallmark of Kohli's batting since he made his international debut in 2008 is his ability to keep the scoreboard ticking by rotating strike. He has always been very swift between the wickets while batting, as was evident against the Proteas. Kohli kept converting the ones into twos and twos into threes throughout his knock.
Kohli's heroics helped India finish on a staggering total of 349/8 in their 50 overs. In reply, South Africa gave a great account of themselves and stayed in the run chase till the very end. However, they eventually lost by 17 runs, handing India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Kohli was fittingly adjudged Player of the Match for his spellbinding knock.
