Virat Kohli reminded fans and critics alike of his enduring class with a commanding performance, scoring 135 runs from 120 balls in India’s opening clash against South Africa. His innings was marked by precision, timing, and patience, shifting the match decisively in India’s favor.
Kohli’s calculated aggression neutralized South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch, who had shown early promise. After a cautious start, Kohli accelerated around the 30th over, pairing with Shubman Gill for a century stand that stabilized the innings. India posted a total that proved unassailable.
“It’s always special to perform when your team needs it most,” Kohli said after being named Player of the Match.
Despite efforts from Jansen, who took three wickets, and Bosch, who contributed with a quick 45, South Africa couldn’t recover from early wickets and fell short in the run chase.
The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next game scheduled in Johannesburg.
“We wanted to start strong, and Virat’s knock gave us the perfect platform,” said India skipper Rohit Sharma.
Kohli’s masterful century powered India to a convincing win over South Africa, proving his lasting impact and setting the tone for the remainder of the series.