India, Nov. 30 -- A good start is half the battle won. And India got a great start, both with bat and ball, in the Ranchi ODI against South Africa on Sunday. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma raced away to 80 runs in the powerplay for the loss of Yashavi Jaiswal. In reply, South Africa were reduced to 47/3 in the first 10 overs by Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. This difference of 33 runs proved crucial in helping India defend 349 by 17 runs in the dew-affected encounter as they overcame a fighting run-chase from the Proteus.

Just like many were auditioning in the batting group, India's bowlers too had a chance to have their say while Jasprit Bumrah was rested. Rana began with his tail up. In his first three legal deliveries after he started...